MOUNT CLEMENS, MI – A Macomb County jury has convicted 30-year-old Jesse Humphrey on all charges related to a 2024 fire that destroyed his girlfriend’s home in Warren and killed her two cats.
According to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, Humphrey set the fire knowing that the cats were inside. His girlfriend was not home at the time of the blaze, which took place in September 2024.
After a five-day jury trial, on Oct. 22, 2025, prosecutors Maria Panchenko and Juliane Beslic secured convictions on the following charges:
⌁ Two counts of Second-Degree Arson (20-year felony each)
⌁ Two counts of First-Degree Killing/Torturing Animals (10-year felony each)
Humphrey was taken into custody following the verdict and will be sentenced on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. before Macomb County Circuit Judge Joseph Toia.
He was originally charged with two counts of second-degree arson and a single four-year count of animal killing in the third degree. Prosecutor Panchenko successfully moved to upgrade the charge to first-degree killing/torturing of animals and add a second count for the second cat.
“Arson is a despicable crime. Depriving a person of all of their possessions is incredibly cold-hearted, in addition to the horrific danger to neighbors and firefighters. Even worse is committing arson knowing that living animals, a person’s beloved pets, are in the building,” Lucido said. “I am proud of my assistant prosecutors who achieved justice for the victim and the cats.”
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said it remains committed to following Michigan law and ensuring justice for victims.
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