Christmas Fire Murder Suspect Waives Preliminary Hearing

The husband and suspected killer of a young woman Pleasant Prairie woman had a second court date Thursday in the murder case against him.

and trying to cover up her death by burning down the house Christmas Day in Mount Pleasant where they were staying.

On Thursday, Guerrero waived his preliminary hearing and was scheduled for arraignment, according to a story from The Journal Times. By waiving his preliminary hearing, Guerrero is telling the court that a felony was committed and he probably committed it.

In addition to first degree intentional homicide, the Racine County District Attorney also charged Guerrero with arson and mutilation of a corpse.

According to Mount Pleasant police, Guerrero admitted to getting into a fight with Vite on Dec. 22. During the argument, she scratched him so he grabbed her by the neck and slammed her into a wall. Despite his efforts to revive her, Vite didn't respond.

Guerrero then reportedly told investigators that he placed Vite in a chair and covered her with a blanket. He was so distraught that he poured gasoline in the living room and tried to set himself on fire. Instead, the flames spread and Guerrero fled.

After police discovered that Guerrero and Vite were married in July 2012, they went to question him but were unable to find him. A probation and parole warrant was issued for his arrest, and Kenosha police took him into custody on Dec. 26.

Guerrero appeared in court in person Thursday, but court records indicate he will be allowed to make subsequent appearances by video feed because he is being held at the Dodge Correctional Institution.

Court records also indicate the Vite family has requested to speak at Guerrero's sentencing if he is found guilty.

The defendant's arraignment is April 18 before Court Commissioner Alice A. Rudebusch.