A Seattle-based technology worker has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and second-degree arson following a deadly blaze in the Wallingford neighborhood that claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman.
The accused, 25-year-old Letian Shi, is alleged to have started two separate fires on Monday, one of which engulfed the home of Susan Klee. Emergency crews rescued Klee from the residence, but she later succumbed to oxygen deprivation, passing away two days after the incident.
Shi is currently being held on $4 million bail as prosecutors pursue the case.
According to court filings, investigators tied Shi to the scene through surveillance footage and a receipt from Dick’s Drive-In. Footage reviewed by authorities reportedly shows an individual resembling Shi carrying a dark canister near the vicinity of the fires. Detectives also allege that certain physical features observed in the video correspond with those of the defendant.
Further evidence presented includes the discovery of multiple containers of starter fluid during a search of Shi’s residence. Prosecutors emphasized that Shi lives within walking distance of where the fires occurred.
Despite these claims, the defense has challenged the prosecution’s timeline and credibility of the evidence. Shi’s legal team argues that the case was filed prematurely and contends that the surveillance footage is too unclear to provide a reliable identification. They also pointed to cell phone data indicating that Shi’s device remained at home during the critical time window.
Supporters of Shi filled the courtroom gallery, with nearly 50 people in attendance during the recent hearing. The case is now scheduled to proceed to trial on September 21.
