Collier woman accused of torching ex-husband’s home with voodoo candles

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IMMOKLALEE, Fla. A 35-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday for allegedly setting her ex-husband’s home on fire, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded to a call regarding a house fire at 119 North 6th St. around 10:44 p.m.

Jesulia Francois got into a heated argument with Sintilia Michel, 59, because she wanted to take her ex-husband, 85-year-old Antonio Loussaint, home with her and Michel wouldn’t allow it, deputies said.

The two began throwing objects and breaking liquid bottles on the floor, deputies said. During the altercation, some vodoo candles, which contained liquor, fell on the floor and ignited the blaze.

Francois shut off the water supply and said, “No one is sleeping in this house.”

She then grabbed a blanket that was already on fire and fanned it throughout the home to spread the flames, deputies said.

Francois is facing first degree arson charges and was released on a $30,000 bond.

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