The Incident and Arrest
The arrest occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, after Frisco police were dispatched to a residence following a distress call from family members. According to official records, the situation began as a mental health welfare check but quickly escalated based on allegations of prior violent behavior.
- Mental Health Episode: Family members reported that Lella was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and had issued verbal threats against them.
- The Arson Attempt: During the investigation, authorities learned that Lella had allegedly attempted to set the family home on fire several days before the police were called.
- Place of Worship Clarification: While the specific legal charge includes “intent to damage a habitation or place of worship,” Frisco authorities clarified that there is currently no evidence indicating any target other than the family residence.
Legal Charges and Penalties
Manojh Sai Lella, who is currently a senior pursuing his degree at UT Dallas, faces serious legal repercussions in Denton County.
| Charge | Level of Offense | Bond Amount |
| Arson (Habitation) | First-Degree Felony | $100,000 |
| Terroristic Threat (Family/Household) | Class A Misdemeanor | $3,500 |
Under Texas law, a First-Degree Felony is the most serious category of felony, punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Community and University Impact
As of Friday, Lella remains in custody. The University of Texas at Dallas has not issued a formal statement regarding his enrollment status, though standard university policy typically involves an immediate administrative review or suspension following felony charges involving violence or arson.
Further investigation into the student’s background and the events leading up to the “mental health episode” is being conducted by the Frisco Police Department’s criminal investigations division.