Domestic dispute led to arson at Forest Hill duplex

The Austin Fire Department have arrested and charged Patrick Lee Corley, 25, with Arson, a First Degree Felony. Investigators with AFD believe Corley is responsible for the duplex fire that occurred on Hill Forest Drive.

On the morning of Sunday, November 6, the Austin Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Hill Forest Drive. Fire crews arrived on scene and found a two-story, multi-family residence with a heavy fire coming from the rear area of the home. Fire crews extinguished the fire with on-scene resources but not before an estimated $240,000 worth of damage had occurred. 

Fire investigators were then requested to the scene to assist with fire cause determination. 

Fire investigators arrived and determined the fire to be incendiary. Later in the investigation, it was learned that the Austin Police Department was called out to the address of the fire the night before for a criminal mischief call. 

The victim made a complaint that the father of her child and ex-boyfriend, Patrick Lee Corley, had come by her residence arguing with her while breaking the front windshield to her vehicle and window of her residence. When officers had arrived, Corley was no longer on scene. 

APD assisted her with gathering her belongings, securing her residence, and escorted her off the property. 

Later on Sunday, Corley contacted his ex-girlfriend again and threatened to burn down her aunt's house. He also stated that he had a firearm and was prepared to kill himself. Investigators believe that Corley is armed, violent, and attempting to hurt the victim and members of her family.