Brockton Man Charged With Trying To Burn Home With Sleeping Family Ordered Held

BROCKTON, MA — A Brockton man tried to kill his sleeping wife and children by burning down their home with gasoline, authorities say.

Yvetteau Devilme, 50, of Brockton, was arraigned Tuesday morning in Brockton District Court. He faces seven counts of attempted murder, one charge of arson of a dwelling, 13 counts of violating an abuse prevention order, malicious destruction of property worth more than $250, assault and battery on family or household member, threats and burning a personal vehicle, according to the Enterprise. He was ordered held pending a dangerousness hearing.

At 2:24 a.m. Sunday, Brockton Fire responded to a report of a blaze on Packard Way. A day-long investigation determined that Devilme intentionally set the fire and is the estranged husband of the home's owner. At the time of the fire, seven people were inside sleeping, according to police.

Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth O’Connell said in Brockton District Court that Devilme started the fire with a nearby grill and a cigarette he was smoking. When he was asked by police why he set the fire, Devilme allegedly told the officers that he had no place to sleep and he wanted to show his family that he had no place to sleep.

All four of Devilme's kids identified him on nearby surveillance footage where he was caught holding a gasoline container, O'Connell said.

Devilme is due back in court on Friday for a dangerousness hearing.

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