Suspect pleads guilty to 2022 Sterling fire

In Loudoun County Circuit Court on Thursday, March 21, Julian Darius Karapetkov plead guilty
to two offenses related to an early morning fire that occurred on Whittingham Circle in Sterling
in September 2022: §18.2-77; Burning or destroying dwelling house, etc.; §18.2-81. Burning or
destroying personal property, standing grain, etc. exceeding $1,000. The final sentencing hearing
for Karapetkov will take place in July 2024.

Just after 4 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2022, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center
received a 9-1-1 call reporting a house fire on Whittingham Circle. Fire and rescue units from
Loudoun and Fairfax Counties responded to find two vehicles on fire in the driveway and fire
showing from the front of the residence.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire and search for additional hazards. Two
occupants had evacuated upon hearing loud explosions from the vehicle fire and were located
safely outside. There were no injuries to first responders. Damages to the vehicles and home
were estimated at $200,000. While performing the fire origin and cause investigation, evidence
was found indicating an accelerant had been used to intentionally set two vehicles and the house
on fire.

On Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office arrested
Julian Darius Karapetkov and he remains at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center on no
bond.