Charges have been brought against Andrew John Nietz, 41, for his alleged role in starting a fire that resulted in a death in Minneapolis. He faces serious accusations, including second-degree murder and first-degree arson.
Incident Overview
The tragic event occurred on September 24, 2023. Firefighters responded to a blaze on the 900 block of 22nd Avenue Northeast shortly before 11:20 p.m. Inside, they discovered one man’s body. Additionally, three residents were displaced due to the fire.
Witness Accounts
Investigators revealed that numerous witnesses cited Nietz’s presence at the victim’s apartment prior to the fire. They reported that he had previously issued threats, including claims of burning down the victim’s home.
- A witness saw Nietz at the victim’s residence around 8:30 p.m.
- Witnesses indicated that Nietz and the victim often engaged in fights, particularly when they had been drinking.
- Smoke and flames were observed emanating from the victim’s unit during the incident.
Connection to the Victim
The victim’s mother, who owns the building, provided additional context regarding Nietz’s relationship with her son. She shared that they grew up as friends but had a tumultuous history, including past physical confrontations. Nietz was previously evicted from her property due to substance abuse issues.
Investigation Details
Following the fire, the victim’s vehicle was discovered missing. It was located the following day in Minneapolis, with Nietz identified as the driver during a traffic stop. Notably, location data from Nietz’s phone indicated he was at the victim’s apartment from 8:06 p.m. until the start of the blaze.
Criminal History
Nietz’s past includes two previous convictions for arson. In 2012, he was convicted for igniting a fire at the Mall of America. More recently, in 2023, he was charged for a fire he started at MSP Airport.
At present, Nietz remains in custody at the Hennepin County jail for violating probation. He is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Monday.
