Kingman – The man in Kingman who set his house on fire during an emotional crisis has signed a plea bargain that will let the court decide whether he will be placed on probation or sent to prison.

Justin Ross, 31, pleaded guilty to charges of arson and animal cruelty to occupied buildings after three pet cats died in an incident at Block 3400 Jewel Street on May 30, 2022 .

Police chief Rusty Cooper reported that Ross initially ignored officers’ instructions to clear the burning house before exiting through a broken window to secure an escape route. Cooper said Ross appeared to be suffering from some kind of mental health episode.

Mojave County Deputy Attorney Bob Moon provided additional details during a judicial hearing change conducted by Justice Doug Camacho on Thursday, March 23.

He said Ross lived in the house with victims identified as LT and KS

Moon said LT was not home, but KS was there and escaped the fire after Ross suffered a mental health crisis, possibly exacerbated by drugs and alcohol. He said Ross is paranoid and delusional that someone is after him.

Moon said Ross and LT were married while the criminal case was pending and both victims supported the defendants and supported leniency.

Under the terms of the plea bargain, the court could put Ross on probation or send him to prison for up to 7.5 years.

Camacho had scheduled a sentencing hearing for April 20.