The man arrested for a fire in Akron that killed seven people earlier this year is now charged in the deaths of a total of nine people.
Stanley Ford, 58, of Akron has now been indicted in connection with three separate fires, two of which were deadly. All of the fires were within a block of Ford's residence on Hillcrest Street.
Ford is charged with the following counts:
- 22 counts of aggravated murder
- Two counts of attempted aggravated murder
- Two counts of aggravated arson
- One count of cruelty to animals
- One count of arson
- One count of aggravated menacing
The first fire, which was allegedly set on April 18, 2016 at 719 Fultz Street, killed 65-year-old Lindell Lewis and 66-year-old Gloria Jean Hart. Both lived in the home.
Then, on May 15, a house fire at 693 Fultz Street killed seven people.
- Dennis Huggins— 35 years old
- Angela Boggs— 38 years old
- Jered Boggs— 14 years old
- Daisia Huggins— 6 years old
- Kyle Huggins—5 years old
- Alivia Huggins— 3-years-old
- Cameron Huggins— 1-year-old
Investigators also concluded that Ford was also responsible for setting a vehicle on fire at 723 Russell Avenue in January.
The Summit County Prosecutor's Office investigation involves the deaths of nine people, including five children and four adults.
"Their deaths are a horrific tragedy which not only impacted these families but the entire neighborhood and community," said Margaret Scott, the Criminal Chief Assistant Prosecutor of Summit County. "Never before in Summit County history has one man been charged with the murders of nine people. The Summit County Prosecutor's Office will fight for justice for these victims and their families."
Ford was arrested after a search of two homes he owned around the corner from the house that was destroyed.
Shortly after his arrest, Ford called News 5, saying that he was innocent and that he needed help.
