Andrew Nietz charged with murder, arson in NE Minneapolis duplex fire that killed Housten Housley
Around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, a fire on the 900 block of 22nd Avenue NE gutted a northeast Minneapolis duplex, killing 39-year-old Housten Housley — firefighters found him on the first floor, three other residents were displaced and aided by the Red Cross, and the unit where Housley was found sustained extensive damage and heavy flames. Authorities have charged longtime friend Andrew Nietz with second-degree murder and arson, saying surveillance showed him returning to the scene while crews were present, police recovered Housley’s car being driven by Nietz and observed scratches on his hands, arm and face, and court records list prior arson convictions in 2012 and 2023.
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📌 Key Facts
- The fire started around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday on the 900 block of 22nd Avenue NE in Minneapolis; heavy flames were reported at the front of the house and on both floors and the blaze is believed to have started in the same unit where the victim was found.
- Firefighters found a man on the first floor who was pronounced dead at the scene; the victim was later identified as 39-year-old Housten Housley.
- The duplex sustained extensive damage, was boarded up, and the Red Cross is assisting three displaced residents; this is the third fire-related death in Minneapolis this year.
- Andrew Nietz has been charged with second-degree murder and arson in connection with the duplex fire.
- Investigators say surveillance footage showed Nietz returning to the scene while police and fire crews were present; police also recovered the victim’s car being driven by Nietz and observed scratches on his hand, arm and face.
- Court records indicate Nietz has prior arson convictions from 2012 and 2023 tied to incidents at the Mall of America and MSP Airport.
📰 Sources (3)
Minneapolis man ID after alleged arson, longtime friend charged with murder
New information:
- Victim identified as 39-year-old Housten Housley
- Andrew Nietz has been charged with second-degree murder and arson in connection with the fire
- Investigators say surveillance footage showed Nietz returning to the scene while police and fire crews were present
- Police recovered the victim's car being driven by Nietz and observed scratches on his hand, arm and face
- Court records indicate Nietz has prior arson convictions from 2012 and 2023 (Mall of America and MSP Airport)
Minneapolis duplex fire leaves man dead, 3 people displaced
New information:
- Fire started around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday on the 900 block of 22nd Avenue NE.
- Firefighters found the victim on the first floor; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Red Cross is assisting three displaced residents; duplex sustained extensive damage and was boarded up.
- Heavy flames were reported at the front of the house and on both floors.
- Fire is believed to have started in the same unit where the victim was found; official cause under investigation.
- This is the third fire-related death in Minneapolis this year.
- Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.