Woman accused of setting fatal fire dies after jail suicide attempt

Woman accused of setting fatal fire dies after jail suicide attempt

(Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office)


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SOUTH SALT LAKE — A woman charged with murder for allegedly setting a house fire that killed her mother has died by suicide while incarcerated, jail officials confirmed Wednesday.

Loralie Kathie Querbach, 46, of West Valley City, was found Tuesday afternoon in her cell at the Salt Lake County Jail in need of medical attention due to a suicide attempt, said Salt Lake County Sheriff's Sgt. Cammie Skogg. Querbach was taken to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries, she said.

On June 5, Kathie Thomas, 64, died in a fire at her home, 6946 W. Bonnie Arlene Drive (3710 South). Thomas called 911 to say she was trapped in her bedroom. Five other occupants were able to make it out safely.

Investigators determined the fire started "in the hallway of the main floor, at the base of the door to Ms. Thomas' bedroom," charging documents state.

Querbach, who was standing outside the house holding a bag that contained framed pictures and other personal items, told the first arriving officers, "I confess," the charges state. Investigators determined she put crumbled paper in front of the door, lit a pair of pants on fire and then threw it on top of the paper.

Querbach did not try to alert anyone in the house to the fire, the charges state.

On Tuesday, Skogg said an officer found Querbach while doing his rounds after lunch. The officer started CPR and was assisted by medical personnel until paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital.

Querbach had a lengthy criminal history that includes domestic violence, including at least one prior case against her mother.

Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

Crisis Hotlines

  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226-4433
  • Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386

Online resources

Warning signs of suicide
  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide. Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
What to do if you see warning signs of suicide
  • Do not leave the person alone
  • Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
  • Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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Pat Reavy

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