VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – In a bond hearing early Thursday morning, the man accused of setting fire to a house on Wessex Lane was denied bond.
Michael Deatherage was charged with arson to an occupied structure in connection with a fire that displaced three adults and two pets on Feb. 4.
According to the Commonwealth, Deatherage allegedly set fire to his home after he learned that his wife was having an affair on the day of the fire.
Deatherage was caught on video leaving the Wessex Lane home just six minutes before the fire started, the Commonwealth stated.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney claimed that Deatherage’s wife is scared at the possibility of his release, stating that he had threatened to bury her under a porch prior to the incident. It was also revealed in court that Deatherage’s wife took out a protective order against him on Jan. 4.
An investigation revealed the fire started in both the master bedroom and kitchen, the Commonwealth claiming that Deatherage had turned on the burners on the stoves before leaving the residence.
Deatherage was ultimately denied bond, as the judge claimed that he is a danger to the community and a flight risk, citing an allegation that he planned to fly to Alaska after the fire.
Deatherage’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April.