Darrell James Wigham, 29, of Austin pleaded not guilty on Thursday in Mower County District Court to three counts of felony attempted first-degree murder-premeditated, three counts of felony attempted first-degree murder-with intent while committing a felony and felony first-degree arson.

Two women had to be rescued at 9:55 a.m. on March 7 from the roof of a burning house at 304 11th Ave. SW. A male was also in the house when the fire started.

All three told police they were staying at the house the night before and that Wigham had been there late that night and early that morning.

He had an altercation with one of the women earlier in the day.

The man and one of the women said they saw him pouring paint thinner on a door and on the floor in a trail leading to the fireplace.

They also claimed Wigham commented he was going to “kill them” and said, “You all just think I’m playing. You all just think I ain’t going to do (expletive) about it. You just watch when this (expletive) house burns down.”

An investigation by the fire marshal confirmed the fire was started by an accelerant.

A review of Wigham’s criminal history shows prior convictions for theft, burglary, check forgery, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was also recently arrested and charged with felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony theft of movable property and gross misdemeanor possession of stolen property.

Wigham’s pre-trial is scheduled for June 15.