Biltmore Mansion Fire Arrest: Cops Say Owner Destroyed His Own $3.5 Million Home

The owner of a $3.5 million mansion in the Biltmore Estates was arrested today by Phoenix police in connection with an arson fire that burned the place to the ground.

Michael Marin told Channel 15 (KNXV-TV) today that he was “utterly shocked” at the accusation and has a “conscience as clear as the driven snow.”

Marin was the only person home the morning of July 5, when the blaze began in the 7,500-square-foot home. He reportedly got out of the burning house from a second-story balcony, wearing scuba gear and descending on a rope ladder. Good thing he had that stuff handy, right?

Marin received kinder media attention during his successful summit of Mount Everest in May.