GALVESTON — A Galveston County jury has convicted a man of capital murder in connection with a fatal house fire that killed a woman and endangered three others, prosecutors announced.

Courtney Allen Thompson Jr. was found guilty Monday in the death of Renita Hawthorne, who died after a fire was intentionally set at her home in February 2024. Under Texas law, the conviction carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, the fire occurred at a residence on 39th Street, where four people were inside at the time. Firefighters with the Galveston Fire Department rescued three occupants, including two children, but Hawthorne did not survive.

Investigators later determined the fire was intentionally set. The Galveston Fire Marshal’s Office found evidence of multiple ignition points and the presence of gasoline, indicating the fire was deliberately started at several entryways.

Prosecutors said the attack was carried out in retaliation for a drug-related debt owed by Hawthorne’s son.

During the trial, evidence presented included surveillance video showing individuals approaching the home with a gasoline can before flames were seen, as well as messages threatening the victim’s family. Additional testimony linked Thompson to the crime through social media activity and witness accounts.

A jailhouse informant also testified that Thompson admitted to being involved in the arson.

The jury began deliberations May 1 and returned a guilty verdict Monday after resuming discussions following the weekend.

The case was investigated by the Galveston Police Department along with fire officials.