MILWAUKEE, WI – An eviction fight between a Milwaukee woman and her father erupted into chaos, leaving a trail of destruction and terror for dozens of elderly residents. Authorities allege that 48-year-old Laquita Spears, furious after being told to leave her father’s apartment, set the building ablaze with charcoal fluid and a lighter, trapping vulnerable tenants and endangering their lives.
The catastrophe unfolded just after 1 p.m. on January 13. Investigators say the conflict began when Spears, who had been living with her father following her eviction from a shelter, erupted during an argument over finances. According to law enforcement, as tensions boiled over, Spears snatched a red Bic lighter and strode to the living room.
She then allegedly soaked a jacket and basket of clothing in charcoal starter before lighting them on fire. In that instant, Spears’ father discovered his coat ablaze atop the couch, sparking a conflagration that raced through the apartment and threatened the entire building.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene as residents—most elderly or disabled—scrambled for safety. With no sprinkler system in place, the flames spread rapidly, chasing tenants into hallways and out windows. Witnesses reported smoke pouring from units as some occupants hung from windows, desperate for rescue.
The blaze consumed multiple apartments, and smoke inhalation sent several residents to the hospital. Among them was a tenant who was found unresponsive and struggled to breathe, ultimately being hospitalized with chest pain, paramedics said.
Police say Spears left the apartment immediately after igniting the fire, reportedly shouting a chilling remark to her father as the flames began to spread. Despite his attempts to stamp out the quickly growing blaze, her father was unable to contain the inferno.
Authorities located Spears three days later and took her into custody. According to court documents, Spears admitted to arguing with her father and to setting the fire, referencing previous disputes involving her family and alluding to a history of similar behavior. Records show this incident marks her third arson arrest.
During questioning, Spears told detectives she did not intend to harm anyone and did not anticipate the fire would gravely endanger her father or the building’s residents. Nonetheless, prosecutors filed charges of arson and reckless endangerment against her.
Currently, Spears is being held on a $50,000 bail and has been ordered to stay away from her father in the event of release. Her next court appearance is set for February 26. The fire left the close-knit community of residents shaken and displaced, as authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the damage.