On December 31, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, officers of the Rochester Police Department responded to a house fire at a residence in NW Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota. Upon arrival, officers observed the front door of the residence was fully engulfed in flames and black smoke was pouring from the house. A neighbor advised officers that the sole occupant of the house was in the backyard. The sole occupant of the house was Anukone Jordan Somphanith ([DOB REDACTED]), Defendant herein. Defendant had injuries to his feet and was placed in a squad car.
Defendant had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and had soot on his lips, teeth, and tongue. When Defendant spoke with Ofc. Peterson, he became concerned about being arrested. Defendant was inconsistent throughout his statement. Defendant said that the fire in the home burned for 20 minutes before he called 911. Defendant stated that he did not know where the fire started and also said the fire was upstairs. Ofc. Peterson asked Defendant to start from the beginning and he said that he got home 15 minutes ago.
Defendant said that he was in some "b*******" with his family at a party. Defendant said he was in the downstairs of the residence, which was apparently rented from his sister and he shared with his parents, in his room. Again Ofc. Peterson asked how the fire started. Defendant said he was dropped off by his mother because he was fighting with his family. Defendant said he smelled something burning while he was in his room and he saw the living room was on fire. Defendant said he did not want to answer what was on fire and said that he was drunk at the party.
Defendant never specified what was on fire despite being asked multiple times. Assistant Fire Marshal Jason Fife and firefighters inspected the home. It was discovered that an upstairs bedroom had suspicious burn marks. It appeared there were two separate fires in the bedroom. The door to the room was closed when firefighters were searching the house. There was a separate fire at the entryway of the home which would not have spread into the bedroom if its door was closed. A burned gas can was also in the living room.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: YOU MUST APPEAR FOR EVERY COURT HEARING REGARDING THIS CASE. FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR COURT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING IMPOSED AND PUNISHED AS PROVIDED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES SECTION 609.49.
