A Texas man will spend the rest of his life in prison after he torched a home over an unpaid drug debt — but the person who died was not his intended target.
Who Was Killed?
Renita Hawthorne, 55, a mother living in Galveston, died of carbon monoxide and thermal injuries. She had nothing to do with the debt that led to the fire.
What Happened?
In February 2024, Galveston fire and police responded to a house fire on the 700 block of 39th Street. Firefighters rescued three people — including two children — by busting out a bedroom window.
But they could not reach Hawthorne in time.
How Was It Done?
Courtney Allen Thompson Jr., 22, deliberately poured gasoline at every entry point of the home — the doors — making escape nearly impossible without firefighter intervention.
Prosecutors described it as building a tomb and then setting it on fire.
What Did Surveillance Show?
A black SUV was seen circling the area. Two men stepped out — one carrying a gas can — walked up to the home, then ran. Flames erupted shortly after.
What Did the Court Hear?
- A jailhouse informant testified that Thompson bragged about setting the fire
- A co-conspirator named Xavier Faison sent threatening messages to Hawthorne’s son over a drug debt
- Faison reportedly posted a video on Instagram bragging about the fire
The Verdict
Thompson was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Hawthorne’s son testified that neither he nor his mother deserved what happened that night.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
