Arson suspect: Motel fire was accident

Austin (KXAN) - The arson suspect police say called them and admitted to intentionally starting a $1.5 million motel fire in South Austin had his first court appearance Friday, where he claimed the fire was an accident.

Moroccan national Mohammed Amine Lahlou faces first degree arson charges for the blaze that destroyed the motel and sent one person to the hospital last Sunday.

"I am confident my rights will not be violated, thank you very much. But I just would like to say it’s an accident,” said Lahlou when he spoke to Judge Charlie Baird.

Lahlou's alleged accident last Sunday sent flames ripping through the America's Best Value Inn, leaving guests scrambling to get out. Police said he called 911 hours after the fire saying he piled the materials in between the two beds in his room and set them on fire.

“You are charged with a very, very serious crime,” Baird explained to Lahlou.

Friday his trial was reset for late June. When Lahlou tried to tell Judge Baird more about the incident he was quickly cut off.

"Don’t tell me anything about the case,” said Baird.

Lahlou’s lawyer, Katie Bailey is asking for a phsychiatric evaluation.
"He may not fully understand although he is extremely articulate and very intelligent the nature of these charges and alerted me to some potential mental health issues,” said Bailey.

Bailey would not ellaborate on those issues but told us a little about Lahlou.

"He was here visiting some friends looking for a more permanent job in the finance industry,” said Bailey.

Lahlou also graduated from St. Edwards University a decade ago and was staying in Austin.

"He was on a visa that expires in 2016," Bailey said. "It is a multiple entry visa."

That visa has been frozen so Lahlou cannot leave the country even if he met the $100,000 bail and was let out of jail.

Lahlou could spend between five and 99 years in prison if convicted but he says he is confident justice will be served.

“I believe the American justice system is a very good system and respects human rights,” said Lahlou.