A Portland man was convicted Wednesday for setting the fire that destroyed the historic May Apartments in May 2023.

Garrett Repp was found guilty on 55 charges, including first-degree arson, reckless endangerment, first-degree animal abuse, and criminal mischief. The jury acquitted him on one count of animal abuse.

The fire broke out on May 16, 2023, at the 113-year-old May Apartments, located at Southwest 14th Avenue and Southwest Taylor Street. Firefighters arrived to find thick smoke pouring from the five-story building. Upper-floor residents were evacuated using ladders. While no one was hurt, several pets died. One firefighter was injured by flying glass when a window shattered.

Court documents show that Repp, a tenant at the time, started the fire using an accelerant in his unit. His eviction had been scheduled earlier that day by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

The building’s owner told investigators that Repp had caused ongoing issues, including damaging walls to access a neighboring unit.

Recently Played

Heart Like A TruckLainey Wilson
9:24pm
Lies, Lies, LiesMorgan Wallen
9:21pm
Holy SmokesBailey Zimmerman
9:17pm
The Kind Of Love We MakeLuke Combs
9:14pm
Miles On ItKane Brown Ft Marshmello
9:11pm