COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Trinidad police have arrested Sherry Abeyta, 45, in connection with a fire that started last week in downtown Trinidad. The fire destroyed a 100-year-old building that housed a home chiropractic business.
Abeyta is being held at the Las Animas County Jail on one count of first-degree arson. According to arrest documents, Abeta admitted to setting the fire as revenge against her boyfriend, who was living in a camp near the building when the fire broke out.
The Morelli-Low family owns the business that was destroyed in the fire. They told 11News that their father, Doc Low, had lived in the building since the late 1980s and the fire had destroyed not only their business but their family history.
“I don’t know if there’s another word for it other than devastating,” Regina Morelli-Low said in an interview.
Regina said the fire destroyed more than 30 years of family history. Regina’s father-in-law, Doc Low, has run his chiropractic practice out of the building since the late 1980’s.
“I grew up in that building. I worked 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 deliberately set on fire.
In court documents obtained by 11News, Trinidad police said the suspect, Sherry Abeyta, set fire to a blanket and set it ablaze on the back porch of the business, adding that Abeyta admitted to setting the fire It was to get revenge on her boyfriend, who was camping near the building.
The Morelli-Low family is picking up the pieces right now, but they’re looking forward to it.
“The world is angry enough to be bitter, crazy and vindictive. We just want this person to get the help and support they need,” Regina said.
The family says the community supports them and they hope one day Doc will be able to practice again.
There is a go fund me set up for Fisher’s Peak Chiropractic Clinic.
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