Man Charged with Murder, Arson in Northeast Minneapolis Blaze

Oct 5

A 41-year-old man with a history of arson has been charged after a house fire in northeast Minneapolis left one person dead.

According to a criminal complaint, Andrew John Nietz, of Minneapolis, is accused of setting fire to a residence at 922 22nd Avenue Northeast on Sept. 24.

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Fire crews responded around 11:19 p.m. and later found a victim deceased inside. Prosecutors say Nietz faces charges of second-degree murder without intent while committing arson, as well as first-degree arson of a dwelling. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison for the murder count and up to 20 years and a $20,000 fine for the arson count.

Witnesses told investigators they saw Nietz at the victim’s residence around 8:30 p.m. the night of the fire. One resident said he went back to his unit and later awoke to another resident banging on his door to alert him to the fire. That resident reported seeing flames coming from the victim’s room and said the victim and Nietz often fought when drinking together. Another resident said he was cooking food around 11:35 p.m. when he smelled smoke and saw it coming from the victim’s unit.

PREVIOUSLY: Minneapolis Duplex Fire Leaves 1 Man Dead

The victim’s vehicle, a black Ford Escape, had been parked outside the building before the fire but was missing when residents evacuated. Minneapolis police located the victim's vehicle just after 3 a.m. on Sept. 25 near Chicago and Franklin Avenue, where they stopped Nietz, who was the sole occupant. Surveillance cameras later showed the vehicle driving away from the fire scene and then returning while police and firefighters were still on site. The driver seen on video matched Nietz’s clothing from the time of his arrest.

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*Firefighters at the scene of a fatal duplex fire last month on 22nd Ave. NE. in Minneapolis.* ***MN CRIME PHOTO***

In an interview, Nietz claimed he borrowed the victim’s car to go to a liquor store before 10 p.m. and was unable to reach him afterward. Investigators noted scratches on his face and arm and found no record of him calling the victim, contrary to his statement. Cell phone data placed Nietz’s device at the victim’s residence from 8:06 p.m. until the fire began, with records showing he left the area immediately after.

Investigators also learned Nietz had made prior threats to the victim, including threats to burn down the house. The victim’s mother, who owns the building, said she previously evicted Nietz due to drug use and that he had fought with her son in the past.

Court records show Nietz has two previous arson convictions. In 2023, he was convicted of fifth-degree arson for setting a trash can fire at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. In 2012, he was convicted of first-degree arson after setting a fire at the Mall of America.

Nietz remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail, where he was already being held on a probation violation and outstanding cases for assault and threats of violence. Bail in the new case has been set at $500,000.

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