Eric Blum
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The man suspected of setting fire to a home occupied by members of a UWSP fraternity will not go to trial this spring as previously scheduled.
Eric Blum was in court Thursday, where a judge canceled the late April trial dates and amended his bond.
Blum is accused of setting fire to the home in April 2024 after an argument with other housemates. One witness said he heard Blum talking, then saw an “orange glow” outside his room.
The house was occupied by members of the Phi Sigma Phi fraternity, which Blum had been a member of but was kicked out earlier in the year. They also confirmed that several active members were on the lease for the home, but it was owned and managed by a local company rather than the national organization.
The 23-year-old also had his bond lowered from $150,000 cash to $15,000 cash and $85,000 signature. The modified bond comes with several specific conditions, including a specified cosigner and residency restrictions.
Should he bond out, Blum must live in Marathon County and may not travel to Portage County unless it’s for court appearances. He would also have a full no-contact order against six victims, including no access to their places of work and homes.
His bond also includes a dusk-to-dawn curfew, absolute sobriety from drugs and alcohol, and a ban on possessing firearms.
Blum faces felony counts for arson and recklessly endangering safety and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Further court action is scheduled for April 29th.
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