A 23-year-old Amarillo woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting a fire that displaced four residents and injured a firefighter at an apartment complex. Rosalee Kristina Garza pleaded guilty to the charge of arson causing bodily injury or death in the 320th District Court last week, according to court records.

Fire and Aftermath

The fire broke out at the two-story apartment building located at SW 9th and South Jackson Street in Amarillo in October 2025. Firefighters responded to the scene and found the building engulfed in flames, with heavy smoke billowing from an upstairs unit. Four residents were forced to evacuate the building, and one firefighter suffered injuries while attempting to suppress the fire.

According to officials, the Amarillo Fire Department worked to contain the blaze, but the damage was extensive enough to require significant repairs to the building. The incident highlighted the dangers of arson in residential areas, where the risk of injury and loss of life is particularly high.

Legal Proceedings

In November 2025, a Potter County grand jury indicted Garza on the charge of arson causing bodily injury or death. Under Texas law, this is classified as a first-degree felony, which carries a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Garza entered a guilty plea during her court appearance, which allowed her to avoid the maximum penalty. Judge Steven Denny sentenced her to 10 years in prison, a decision that reflects the severity of the crime but also acknowledges her cooperation with the legal process.

Garza is currently being held at the Potter County Detention Center and will be transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system in the coming weeks. Her sentence will be served at a state prison facility, where she will be monitored for the full duration of her term.

Community Impact and Safety Concerns

The fire had a significant impact on the local community, particularly for the four displaced residents who had to find temporary housing. Firefighters and emergency responders also faced added stress from the injury sustained during the incident, which has raised concerns about the safety of first responders in similar situations.

Community leaders have called for increased efforts to prevent arson and to support victims of such crimes. Local officials have emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the dangers of fire and the legal consequences of setting fires intentionally.

Garza’s case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of property crime in Amarillo and surrounding areas. According to the Amarillo Police Department, arson incidents have increased by 12% in the past two years, prompting calls for more stringent penalties and community outreach programs.

Fire department officials have reiterated their commitment to responding swiftly to emergencies, but they have also stressed the need for preventive measures to reduce the risk of such incidents. This includes increased surveillance in residential areas and collaboration with local law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible for arson.

Garza’s sentencing serves as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar acts. As one firefighter involved in the response noted, ‘Arson is not just a crime against property—it’s a crime against people. It puts lives at risk, and we take those risks very seriously.’