Police Say Man Killed 74-Year-Old, Set Apartment On Fire: Report

MILWAUKEE, WI — A 41-year-old Milwaukee man has been arrested and charged after authorities say he's responsible for killing a 74-year-old man and setting his apartment building on fire.

Authorities say 41-year-old Michael Harris has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and arson. If convicted, Harris faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County, several people called 911 on the morning of May 8, reporting a fire in the lower unit of an apartment on the 4800 block of N. Swan Road on Milwaukee's west side.

When the firefighters entered the burning building through the front door, they saw the body of the 74-year-old man, later identified as Robert Feldner, lying on the floor of a hallway. Firefighters saw that he was deceased and had suffered multiple traumatic wounds, in addition to burns from the fire.

According to the criminal complaint, officers reviewed surveillance footage obtained from a local gas station and saw Harris carry a red pail to the gasoline pumps. Police said Harris filled up the pail with gasoline and walked toward the apartment complex. Moments later, footage showed smoke coming from the same apartment complex. Investigators said Feldner suffered multiple blunt force injuries to his head and neck.

According to the criminal complaint, investigators spoke with Harris' brother. His brother told investigators that he believed Harris deliberately harmed the 74-year-old man and set the building on fire. Authorities say Harris was arrested nearby on the 4400 block of N. 37th Street in Milwaukee.

According to court records, attorneys representing Harris told the court that he was not competent to proceed. The court ordered a competency examination for Harris which will be completed before his case proceeds.