Grand jury declines to indict man in fatal fire case, wants further investigation

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The grand jury in Hays County said there's not enough evidence for felony charges against a man who authorities accused of starting a fire that killed five people, according to the office of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins.

The office said that the Grand Jury said they “failed to find a bill of indictment against the accused” but “encourage law enforcement to continue this investigation.”

Higgins thanked the jurors for their efforts and the victims' families for their patience.

“We feel for their loss every day and we remain committed to bringing the arsonist to justice to provide closure to those who have lost so much. We take the Grand Jury’s encouragement to continue the investigation to heart and will continue to work with the task force to that end," Higgins said.

The fire occurred on July 20, 2018, and five people died in it. The San Marcos Fire Marshal was assisted in the investigation by a task force that included the ATF, Texas Rangers and San Marcos Police. A suspect was arrested in 2023.

Higgins said in the release that the suspect has been released from bond.