Trial continues for Virginia man accused of starting fatal fire over townhome eviction
Trial continues for Virginia man accused of setting fatal fire
The trial for a Virginia man accused of setting a fatal fire continued in Loudoun County Thursday.
LEESBURG, Va. - Evidence was presented by prosecutors Thursday in the arson and felony murder trial of a Virginia man accused of starting a fatal fire that killed his neighbor.
What we know:
The evidence showed that 78-year-old Jacob Bogatin was facing imminent eviction just days before the fire that destroyed his townhome.
During Thursday’s hearing, an expert witness testified that Bogatin and his girlfriend had been notified that they had seven days to vacate their property on Riptide Square after failing to secure a loan.
READ MORE | 78-year-old man charged with intentionally setting fire that killed woman in Sterling
Prosecutors also revealed an email exchange showing the couple was preparing to move out within the week.
Just two days after receiving the notice, a fire broke out behind the townhomes, killing 36-year-old Madelaine Akers, who was trapped in her basement apartment. The fire on Oct. 24, 2025, destroyed two townhomes, damaged a third, and displaced eight residents.
Court documents revealed that an insurance claim — for more than double the amount owed on Bogatin's foreclosed unit — was filed the day after the fire. Investigators captured Bogatin on surveillance video in the rear area where the fire originated. He was arrested in December.
READ MORE | Victim’s 911 call played during deadly Loudoun County arson trial
Bogatin has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony murder and arson. His defense team maintains that he did not start the fire.
The prosecution is expected to rest its case soon, after which the defense will present its arguments before a 16-person jury begins deliberations.
The Source: Information in this article is from court proceedings and records.