Crime

Two wanted in connection with arson at house built by Habitat for Humanity

China Benitez
China Benitez Lexington Fire Department

Lexington fire investigators are asking for the public's help in locating two people in connection with a 2015 arson case.

Angel Benitez and China Benitez, both 24, are wanted in relation to a fire that was set May 4 at a Habitat for Humanity house at 322 East Second Street, according to a news release.

Warrants charging them with second-degree arson were obtained Friday, firefighter Jessica Bowman said.

Angel Benitez is black, standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds. China Benitez is a white woman, standing 5 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call Lexington fire investigators at (859) 231-5672 or email arsontips@lexingtonky.gov.

Investigators said a third person, Francis Gaines Willoughby, who was one of the homeowners, was arrested in Wayne County Saturday morning and charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree arson.

The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire, but Bowman said it sustained significant damage.

This story was originally published March 1, 2016 at 5:28 PM with the headline "Two wanted in connection with arson at house built by Habitat for Humanity."

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