Arson Guilty Plea Results From Sterling House Fire

STERLING, VA — A man pleaded guilty in Loudoun County court Thursday in relation to a September 2022 arson incident at a Sterling house.

Julian Darius Karapetkov pleaded guilty to arson burning or destroying a dwelling as well as arson burning or destroying personal property exceeding $1,000. Charges of second-degree murder and stalking did not move forward, according to circuit court records.

The charges relate to a Sept, 4, 2022 fire at a home on Whittingham Circle in the Countryside neighborhood of Sterling. According to Loudoun County authorities, fire and rescue responded to a fire involving a house and two vehicles in the driveway. Firefighters quickly put out the fire, and two residents were found safely outside the home. Fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant. Damages to the home and cars were estimated at $200,000.

As WUSA9 previously reported, Karapetkov was convicted of stalking a former Potomac Falls High School classmate who turned down his romantic pursuits. He received a sentence with an order to have no contact with the victim. But the month after being released, the victim's house was set on fire with her parents inside, according to WUSA9. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Karapetkov on Sept. 12, 2022.

Sentencing is scheduled for July. Karapetkov remains held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.