KENDLETON, Texas – A manhunt is underway for a Fort Bend County man accused of setting his home on fire and killing the family dog.
The incident happened in late September on HP Johnson Street in Kendleton but according to a warrant reviewed by KPRC 2, he was not charged with arson until November.
The U.S. Marshal’s Service confirmed to KPRC 2 the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force is looking for Luis Adrian Alvarado, 37, but it’s unclear if he’s in Texas, New Mexico, or elsewhere.
The fire came at the end of a years long, turbulent relationship. Alvarado’s wife hopes he’ll be arrested so she and her children can finally find peace.
“It’s a lot of emotions, stress, very emotional,” Lorena Martinez told KPRC 2.
“Do you feel like you’re kind of having to rebuild your whole life at the same time?” KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry asked.
“Yes, of course, yes. My kids and I,” Martinez said.
After insurance deemed their home a total loss, the rebuilding has begun but there are still signs of an arson investigation, notably crime scene tape, at the home near Highway 59.
“He poured gasoline all over my clothes all over our bed, and then he started down here, which is the hall,” Martinez explained, re-walking his path. “This is like the washer and dryer area. And he went all down here, the kitchen dining area, living room and lit right there on the couch is where he lit the fire.”
Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Justin Jurek confirmed that arson investigators found accelerants throughout the house but lab tests are still pending.
Martinez had been out to dinner with family and friends on that September night, when she said Alvarado, who she had separated from, found out and started calling and texting her. She left the establishment, she said, but eventually he started following her.
“He starts rear ending us all of 59 South. We end up losing him,” Martinez said. “I’m answering the calls as this is going on, and he is telling me he’s going to kill me and burn down my house.”
When she arrived at the house, she could see smoke coming from the roof and she hurried to save their rescue dog, Fresa, a poodle-Shih Tzu mix.
But it was too late.
“This wouldn’t have been so hard if it wouldn’t have been for losing Fresa,” Martinez said. “That was very, very traumatic for my boys. Till this day, every time they see a dog, they get silent.”
As she stood at the scene and fire crews responded, she said she received a private call she believed to be from Alvarado, when he said “checkmate” in Spanish. She heard from him again the next day, but never again since.
“I wasn’t married to this monster every day,” Martinez said, noting that his actions usually escalated when intoxicated. “He had burnt my clothing in the past. He would have burned my purses in the past when he was intoxicated. And I ignored all that just because I didn’t want another failed marriage.”
But after months of clarity and now a protective order through Fort Bend County courts, she’s hoping her story can influence other women or men stuck in violent relationships.
“Don’t ignore the red flags. Leave before it’s too late because I was blessed that I just lost my home. You know, some people lose their lives,” she said.
KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry will have more on this story tonight at 10.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.