UPDATE: Man convicted for setting fire to Cornelius family’s home

UPDATE:

CORNELIUS, NC – A man who set fire to a family’s home in Cornelius has been convicted by a jury in Mecklenburg County.

Prosecutors say 27-year-old Mark Liventsov started a fire at a home on Smith Circle on November 9, 2022.

The Sitdikov family, their two small children, and dogs were sound asleep inside the home at the time.

A Cornelius police officer saw the flames and got the family out safely.

The jury found Liventsov guilty as charged on four counts of attempted first-degree murder, first degree arson, malicious damage of occupied property by use of incendiary material, and burning caused during the commission of another felony.

The judge sentenced him to at least 13 years in prison.

PREVIOUS STORY (POSTED 11/18/22):

CORNELIUS, NC – A Cornelius Police Officer talks only to WCCB News about the moments leading up to the night he saved a local couple and their children from their burning home.

Officer Lee Esposito immediately jumped from his patrol car, and into action last Wednesday when he saw a massive blaze while out on patrol along Smith Circle.

The Sitdikov family, their two small children, and dogs were sound asleep inside the home.

“I ran to the front door, hit the door bell, and started banging on the front door.  They asked me what was going on and I told them their house was on fire,” says Esposito.

Esposito has been a police officer for several years.  His father is a New York City firefighter.  The family praised him for his heroic actions.

“When you hear it, it’s a little weird, but I was just out there  doing what I’m supposed to be going,” says Esposito.

Cornelius Police are still searching for the suspect who set fire to the couple’s home.

CORNELIUS, NC – A Cornelius Police Officer jumped into action when he noticed a house on fire while he was out patrolling a neighborhood.

It happened Wednesday night on Smith Circle in Cornelius.  The Sitdikovs were sound asleep when the officer banged on their door, waking the family up.  The couple, their two young sons, and two dogs all got out of the home safely.

“He’s a hero, he’s a super hero, I can tell,” says Tim Sitdikov, the homeowner.

Investigators say someone intentionally set the family’s home and car on fire.  Cornelius Police say they have a possible suspect in the case.  The family believes they know who it is.  No word yet if anyone has been arrested.  The family says they are thankful their home can be repaired.