State Attorney Alexcia Cox announces that a Palm Beach County jury on Oct. 30 returned a guilty verdict for a man who trapped a person inside a house on fire.

After a three-day trial, Jesus A. Hernandez was convicted of attempted manslaughter.

The evidence showed he had blocked the front door to a house, preventing an occupant from leaving, shortly after 1 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2023. Neighbors rescued the victim from the burning and smoke-filled residence before firefighters arrived.

Assistant State Attorneys Samuel Farot and Kyley Brown prosecuted the case. We extend our thanks to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation.

A sentencing hearing for the defendant is scheduled to be held on Dec. 17.