Man Accused Of Murder, Arson Is Released From Jail After Charges Dropped Due To Mistaken Identity

A Seattle man who was accused of first-degree murder in connection with an arson was released after recent evidence indicated the suspect was not correctly identified.

Letian Shi, 25, was suspected of starting two fires in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood on Jun. 4, according to KOMO News. One of those fires burned the home of 72-year-old Susan Lisette Klee, who died in the fire from lack of oxygen.

Shi was initially charged on Jul. 14, pleaded not guilty on Aug. 4, and was held on $4 million bail, KOMO News reported. (RELATED: Chicago Police Arrest Suspect After Fire Chief Dies In Garage Fire, Neighbors Say It’s Part Of A Trend) 

Shi was reportedly connected to the fires through surveillance camera video footage and a receipt from Seattle-based hamburger chain Dick’s Drive-In. Shi’s defense argued that the credit card used at Dick’s was issued to someone named Shi Letian, as opposed to Leitan Shi. Additionally, his defense said Shi could not be clearly identified by the surveillance footage and that his cell phone data indicated he was at home when the fires happened.

3800 block of Sunnyside Ave. N: Incident recap https://t.co/d3wlX3Jume

— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) June 4, 2025

Prosecutors argued that the man in the surveillance video had a chin and jawline that matched Shi’s “distinct” features, and mentioned that Shi lived within walking distance of the fires. They also noted a person in the surveillance video with a similar build to Shi carrying a “dark canister” on the night of the fire, and that starter fluid canisters were found in his bedroom.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) announced on Aug. 9 that further investigation by the Seattle Police Department discovered new evidence that called the suspect’s identification into question, though it did not specify exactly what that evidence was, according to KOMO News. The prosecution then filed a motion to have the case dismissed, which was signed by a judge on Aug. 8.

“Because of the new information that raises questions about the subject’s identity, the State moves to dismiss, without prejudice, these charges against Mr. Shi in the interest of justice and have him released from custody pending further investigation,” the KCPAO said in a statement to the court.

The arson homicide case is still an active investigation and prosecutors may refile charges if future evidence warrants it.