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Eden Prairie arsonist gets 15 years for townhome fire

Abdirahman Abdi Abdullahi was sentenced Monday, May 11, 2026, to 15 years in prison for setting fire to a townhome in Eden Prairie that had five people inside.[1]

He had pleaded guilty to arson, and the court applied attempted-murder guidelines based on prosecutors' finding of intent toward his ex-girlfriend.[1] A nine-month-old baby was pulled from the burning home not breathing, and firefighters revived the infant before transport to a hospital.[1]

On May 31, 2024, Abdullahi set fire to a Cardiff Lane townhome in Eden Prairie with five occupants inside, including four children.[1] Surveillance video showed him approach with and return to a vehicle carrying a red gas can, and investigators say he ignited gasoline-soaked clothes at the home's entrance.[1]

Abdullahi had a prior domestic-violence history and was on probation for violating a restraining order when the fire occurred.[1] Prosecutors also pointed to a text he sent days before the blaze that read, "when I see you I'm smoke u," which they said showed his intent.[1]

  1. FOX 9
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📌 Key Facts

  • On May 31, 2024, Abdirahman Abdi Abdullahi set fire to a Cardiff Lane townhome in Eden Prairie with five occupants inside, including four children.
  • A nine-month-old baby was pulled from the burning home not breathing; firefighters revived the infant before transport to the hospital.
  • On Monday, Abdullahi was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson, with the court applying attempted‑murder guidelines based on his intent toward his ex-girlfriend.
  • Surveillance video showed Abdullahi approaching with and returning to a vehicle with a red gas can; investigators determined he ignited gasoline‑soaked clothes at the home’s entrance.
  • Abdullahi had a prior domestic-violence history, was on probation for violating a restraining order, and had texted his ex, "when I see you I'm smoke u" days before the fire.

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May 12, 2026
3:37 PM
Eden Prairie townhome arsonist hit with 15 year prison sentence
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul by [email protected] (Howard Thompson)