Jury trial for Rogersville man accused of trying to kill his 3-year-old child in apartment fire

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – A Lauderdale County grand jury has indicted a Rogersville man for attempted first-degree murder and arson after authorities said he intentionally started a fire at an apartment complex.

Jared Hazelwood, 45, was arrested after court records indicate he set fire to the Rogersville Park apartments in the early morning hours of March 6, 2022, while his 3-year-old son was still inside.

Officials said when they arrived at the scene, the top floor of the eight-unit apartment building was on fire, with flames spreading through the roof.

Rogersville Police Chief Brian Hudson confirmed with News 19 that the boy was rescued from the apartment by an officer, but suffered burns to his legs and crotch, and suffered from smoke inhalation . He was then airlifted to UAB.

Phillips said the fire was extinguished within 20 minutes and all residents were evacuated.

Hazelwood was sentenced to Lauderdale County Jail on $420,000 bond. The Rogersville resident was initially charged with seven counts of first-degree arson but was later charged with the attempted murder of his son.

According to online court records, a jury trial is scheduled for August 14, with a plea hearing scheduled for August 10.