Woman accused of setting fire to Baton Rouge apartment after eviction

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with an apartment fire in Baton Rouge.

Amy Stokes, 52, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated arson and one count of entering or remaining in places or on land after being denied entry.

On June 9, Baton Rouge firefighters were called to investigate an apartment fire in the 4700 block of Tigerland Avenue. Before 5 a.m., firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in the back bedroom of the apartment.

Their investigation determined that the fire was deliberately set. According to an affidavit, investigators reviewed surveillance footage and saw Stokes leave the apartment and immediately return.

Stokes left the apartment again, but left the door open. According to an affidavit, smoke was seen coming from the apartment. The affidavit stated, “No one entered or left the apartment from the time Stokes left until the time smoke was seen coming from the apartment.”

The victim said he had kicked Stokes out of another apartment in the same complex a few days earlier, according to arrest documents. He told investigators that Stokes had been told to leave and not come back.

According to an affidavit, the fire caused about $10,000 in damage.

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