COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Trinidad Police have arrested Sherry Abeyta, 45, in connection with a fire that occurred last week in downtown Trinidad. The fire destroyed a 100-year-old building that housed a family chiropractic business.
Abeyta is being held in the Las Animas County Jail on a charge of first-degree arson. According to arrest documents, Abeyta confessed to starting the fire to retaliate against her boyfriend, who was living in a camp near the building at the time of the fire.
The Morelli-Low family owns the business that was destroyed by the fire. They told 11News their father, Doc Low, has been in the building since the late 1980s and the fire destroyed much more than just his business, it destroyed his family history.
“I don’t know if there are any other words to describe it other than devastating,” Regina Morelli-Low said during an interview.
Regina said the fire burned more than 30 years of family history. Regina’s father-in-law, Doc Low, ran his chiropractic businesses out of the building since the late 1980s.
“I grew up in that building. I worked there for my dad in that building. I raised my own kids in that building,” said Ryan Low, Doc’s son and Regina’s husband.
Authorities said the building was set on fire on purpose.
In court documents obtained by 11News, Trinidad police said the suspect, Sherry Abeyta, lit a blanket on fire and left it to burn on the back porch of the business, adding that Abeyta confessed to starting the fire in retaliation against her boyfriend who set up camp near the building.
The Morelli-Low family is now left picking up the pieces, but looking ahead.
“The world is angry enough to be bitter and mad and hold grudges. We just hope this person gets the help and support they need,” Regina said.
The family said the community supports them and they hope that one day Doc will be able to practice again.
There is a fund I have set up for Fisher’s Peak Chiropractic Clinic.
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