Harris County Man Charged with Felony Murder After Deadly Apartment Fire Kills Brother

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas. A Harris County man has been charged with felony murder after investigators determined a deadly apartment fire that claimed one life and seriously injured several others may have been intentionally set.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and multiple fire departments responded at approximately 1:30 a.m. Monday, July 20, to a structure fire at the Cypresswood Apartments, 4607 Cypresswood.

When first responders arrived, they found an apartment building fully engulfed in flames.

Authorities said 40-year-old Andrew Atwater was rescued from the scene and transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Andrew Atwater’s mother suffered serious injuries in the fire, and a 3-year-old child living in a neighboring apartment sustained extensive burn injuries. Several other residents were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire and determined it may have been intentionally set by an occupant of the apartment.

Investigators identified Matthew Atwater, who lived in the apartment with Andrew Atwater and their mother, as the alleged suspect.

Because of the fatality, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit joined the investigation.

Detectives said they learned Matthew Atwater had argued with family members earlier in the evening before allegedly setting the fire out of anger.

Matthew Atwater has been charged with felony murder, with arson serving as the underlying felony. He has been booked into the Harris County Jail.

Authorities said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office continue to investigate the incident.