On Wednesday, Sept. 9, a jury convened by the Loudoun County Circuit Court found Jacob Bogatin guilty of first-degree murder and related arson charges for the fatal fire that occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, in Sterling.

A joint investigation by the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office determined the fatal three-alarm fire that killed Madelaine Samantha Akers, 36, was intentionally set.

Fire and rescue units responded to a structure fire with possible entrapment in the 20000 block of Riptide Square in Sterling just after 1 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025.

Upon arrival, crews encountered two townhomes with heavy fire that was quickly extending to a third unit. The intensity of the fire and threat of structural collapse forced firefighters to attack the fire from the exterior before making entry. Once the fire was brought under control, first responders located the remains of Akers, a resident living in one of the townhomes.

Following an extensive investigation, Bogatin was arrested on Oct. 28, 2026, and charged in connection with setting the fire and the death of Akers and has remained in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

The jury found Bogatin guilty of first-degree murder, three counts of arson of an occupied dwelling, and one count of arson of personal property with a value exceeding $1,000, all felonies. Bogatin is scheduled for sentencing in early December.

“We hope the family of Ms. Akers can take some comfort knowing that Mr. Bogatin is being held accountable for his crimes,” said Systemwide Fire Chief James S. Williams. “Thank you to the jury for your participation and to the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. I would also like to commend the incredible work of our Fire Marshal’s Office investigators and members of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Loudoun is a safer community because of their hard work and dedication to solving this case and bringing some sense of closure to the family and friends of Ms. Akers.”

“This was a heinous crime and one that shocked our community,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “I am both proud of and grateful for the outstanding work of LCSO detectives and members of the LCFR-FMO in assembling compelling evidence for prosecutors to present to the jury. This case showcases our outstanding partnership in bringing dangerous criminals to justice and keeping Loudoun safe.”