A 28-year-old gay man is being held without bail in Oregon for allegedly starting a fatal fire after an argument with his lover, KPTV in Portland reports.
Alex Joe has been charged with murder in the Nov. 19, 1999, blaze that left a friend dead. Joe, who was intoxicated at the time of the fire, was allegedly upset with his lover for not disclosing his HIV status, and he decided to burn down the house they shared. Instead the fire killed Kenneth Avery Sharp, 44, a mutual friend who was visiting. Sharp died of smoke inhalation, authorities said.
He eluded police for nearly a year, and was apprehended after reporting to authorities that he was the victim of domestic violence in Seattle. Police there discovered his outstanding warrant.
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