Police: Man Changed Locks To Keep Estranged Husband Out Before Deadly House Fire

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Search warrants say a well-known Salt Lake City LGBT pioneer and restaurateur who died in a suspicious house fire had changed his locks and installed a surveillance system because he was afraid of his estranged husband.

Prosecutors say 72-year-old John Williams took the steps shortly after filing for divorce, but his estranged husband Craig Crawford still got in and set the blaze that killed him.

The 47-year-old Crawford is facing aggravated murder and aggravated arson charges. His lawyer Jim Bradshaw says he's still reviewing evidence in the case.

Authorities say Williams died of smoke inhalation on May 22 after the stairs caught fire, trapping him on the fourth floor. Prosecutors say Crawford watered the plants outside as his husband called for help.

Williams owned the popular Market Street Grill and other restaurants.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.