arson
Coverage of arson in the Nexus archive.
- Man accused of cutting off his genitals, using them to start a fire, authorities say
Christopher Peden is accused of cutting off his genitals and using them to start a garage fire in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Authorities found a gasoline container, four lighters, and a kitchen knife at the scene. Peden faces an arson charge with a potential 12-year prison sentence and is scheduled for a trial next week.
- Man accused of cutting off his genitals, using them to start a fire, authorities say
Christopher Peden is accused of cutting off his genitals and using them to start a garage fire in Fort Wayne, Indiana, leading to an arson charge with a potential 12-year prison sentence. Authorities found a gasoline container, four lighters, and a kitchen knife at the scene. Peden admitted to lying about a stabbing and confessed to the act, with a trial set for next week.
- Man accused of cutting off his genitals, using them to start a fire, authorities say
Christopher Peden is charged with arson after allegedly cutting off his genitals and using them to start a garage fire in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Authorities found a gasoline container, four lighters, and a kitchen knife at the scene. Peden is scheduled to return to court next week for trial dates.
- Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center targeted in alleged arson attempt
An alleged arson attempt targeted the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, with a masked individual setting fire to a bag inside the mosque. The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest, and a GoFundMe has raised over $10,000 to support the community center.
- Prediction Markets Let You Bet on Whether a Wildfire Will Burn Down Your Town
Prediction markets allow betting on whether wildfires will destroy towns. Survivors criticize them as morally wrong and fear they could encourage arson.
- Sacramento teen girls facing felony charges after shocking video captures nursery targeted with fireworks
Three teenage girls were arrested for allegedly setting fire to an unborn baby’s nursery using a firecracker in Citrus Heights. The incident is under investigation as a felony arson case.
- Joliet man lit toy box on fire at Walmart, ate chicken without paying, police say
A man was accused of allegedly setting a fire at a Joliet Walmart and eating food without paying for it last month. Police reported the incidents occurred during a single visit to the store.
- ‘Drop the weapons!’: Swedish officer shoots arson suspect in leg
A Stockholm officer shot an arson suspect in the leg after ordering him to 'drop the weapons!' The suspect, accused of setting fire to two apartments during an eviction, was hospitalized, and three others were treated for smoke inhalation.
- Albany stabbing under investigation, victim charged with arson
The Albany Police Department is investigating a stabbing that occurred on Madison Avenue early Wednesday morning. The victim has been charged with arson.
- Baton Rouge fire investigators classify vacant house fire as arson
Fire investigators in Baton Rouge have classified a vacant house fire as arson. The fire occurred overnight and is under investigation.
- Livonia house explosion, suspected arson, ends with police shooting, killing homeowner
A suspected arson at a Livonia residence led to an explosion, fire, and a police shooting that killed the 61-year-old homeowner. Officers found gas lines cut, prompting an arson investigation, and encountered the armed homeowner in a neighboring backyard, resulting in a fatal shooting. Two investigations are ongoing: one for arson and another for the officer-involved shooting.
- Prosecutors used ChatGPT logs as evidence in the Palisades fire trial
Prosecutors in the Palisades fire trial used ChatGPT logs as evidence against Jonathan Rinderknecht, who faced arson charges for a deadly 2025 wildfire. The logs showed Rinderknecht generating fire-related images, expressing anger, and ranting about the wealthy. Prosecutors also cited iPhone location data, security footage, and witness testimony.
- Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in arson trial over deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles
A federal judge declared a mistrial in the arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of starting the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, after the jury deadlocked with 10 jurors favoring not guilty and two seeking conviction. Prosecutors plan to retry the case, citing strong evidence linking Rinderknecht to the fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
- Mistrial declared in Palisades Fire arson trial after jury deadlocked on charges
A mistrial was declared in the trial of a man accused of arson for the Palisades Fire, one of California's most destructive wildfires, after jurors could not reach a verdict and informed the judge they were deadlocked.
- Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in arson trial over deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles
A federal judge declared a mistrial in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, who was accused of starting the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The jury deadlocked 10-2 on all three federal charges, including arson and malicious destruction by fire, with prosecutors uncertain if they will retry the case.
- Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in arson trial over deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles
A federal judge declared a mistrial in the arson trial of Jonathan Rinderknecht, accused of sparking the deadly 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, after a jury deadlocked 10-2 on all three charges. The fire killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes, with prosecutors using digital records and security footage to establish Rinderknecht's presence at the fire's origin.
- Mistrail declared for accused Palisades Fire arsonist Jonathan Rinderknecht
A mistrail was declared for Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 30-year-old Uber driver accused of arson and destruction of property in the Palisades Fire case. He was indicted last October on three felony counts related to these charges.
- 3 arrested in connection with fire at former Eagan middle school
Three individuals were arrested after a fire broke out at the decommissioned Metcalf Middle School in Eagan. The Eagan Fire Department extinguished the fire, but the building sustained severe damage. Authorities are investigating the incident as potential arson.
- Arson suspected in second fire at same vacant Baton Rouge house
The Baton Rouge Fire Department is investigating an arson suspect in a second fire at the same vacant house in Baton Rouge this week.
- Teen receives 66-month sentence for setting homeless man on fire on NYC subway
A high school senior was sentenced to 66 months in prison for setting a homeless man on fire on a New York City subway. The victim was critically injured but survived due to first responders' efforts.
- Reward offered for burglary, arson of Mathews County home
Paul Pruitt is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the person or persons responsible for burglarizing and setting fire to his Mathews County, Virginia home. The incident involved both burglary and arson, though the home's exterior damage appears minimal.
- Aurora Fire Department investigating string of suspected arson fires near apartment complexes
The Aurora Fire Department is investigating multiple grass and brush fires near South Dallas Street and East Mansfield Avenue as potential arson. The fires are clustered around apartment complexes in the area.
- Jury hears final arguments in arson trial of Palisades Fire suspect Jonathan Rinderknecht
Jonathan Rinderknecht is on trial for arson linked to the Palisades Fire, which could result in a 45-year prison sentence if convicted.
- Arsonist who set sleeping subway rider on fire 5 ½ year federal prison sentence
An arsonist who set a sleeping subway rider on fire received a 5 ½ year federal prison sentence. Surveillance images showed the victim alone and burning in the subway car, still on fire when exiting at Times Square.
- Palisades Fire arson charges against Uber driver go to jury
A Los Angeles jury is determining if former Uber driver Jonathan Rinderknecht intentionally started a fire on New Year’s Day 2025 that later became the city’s most destructive firestorm. Prosecutors allege Rinderknecht, motivated by resentment toward the wealthy, ignited the Lachman Fire, which smoldered and reignited during Santa Ana winds, destroying thousands of homes. Evidence includes geolocation data linking him to the fire’s origin and his prolonged presence at the site.
- Parolee, 24, charged with igniting inferno at NY homeless hotel, killing 6
A 24-year-old parolee named Tyler J. Russell has been charged with starting a fire at a homeless hotel in New York, which resulted in six deaths. Russell was released on parole in February prior to the incident.
- High school senior gets over 5 years in prison for setting homeless man on fire on NYC subway
A 19-year-old high school senior was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for setting a homeless man on fire on the NYC subway. Hiram Carrero admitted to igniting a piece of paper that critically injured the man, who survived due to quick emergency response. Prosecutors argued the attack was heinous and sought up to 8 years, while defense highlighted Carrero's troubled past.
- Cumberland man wanted in connection to Crossville arson investigation, remains at large
A Cumberland County man is wanted in connection to an arson investigation in Crossville. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) conducted an investigation that led to his indictment. The suspect remains at large.
- Convicted arsonist pleads not guilty to Menlo Park coffee shop fire
A person previously convicted of arson has pleaded not guilty to allegedly starting a fire at a Menlo Park coffee shop. The suspect reportedly returned to the fire scene while firefighters were extinguishing the blaze and chanted, 'Burn, burn, let it burn.'
- Northern Michigan teen set fire to home before assaulting owners, police say
An 18-year-old from Traverse City, Northern Michigan, was arrested and charged with arson and assault after allegedly setting fire to a home and attacking its owners. The incident occurred over the weekend.
- Court hearing held Monday for man charged with hate crime for burning cross in Grant Park
A 21-year-old man was charged with hate crime and arson for burning a cross in Grant Park. He claimed the act was a political protest against President Donald Trump and not intended as a hate symbol.
- Arson suspect taken into custody after several small fires in Santa Ana
Investigators are examining a series of small fires in Santa Ana after a man suspected of arson was taken into custody. The suspect was arrested overnight following the incidents.
- Two Jailed for Reported Russia-Linked Arsons on UK PM’s Property
Two men have been jailed in the UK for arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Prosecutors allege the attacks were coordinated via Telegram by a Russian-speaking figure offering cash rewards and were financially motivated.
- Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime
A 21-year-old man named Merlin Lu was charged with a hate crime and arson after admitting to setting a cross on fire in Chicago's Grant Park. Lu claimed the act was a protest against President Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, not a racially motivated act of hate.
- Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime
A 21-year-old man admitted to setting a cross on fire in Chicago's Grant Park and was charged with a hate crime, arson, and other offenses. He claimed the act was a protest against President Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, not a racially motivated attack. A heart with the word 'resilient' was placed where the burning cross stood.
- Man who admitted setting cross on fire in Chicago park is charged with a hate crime
A 21-year-old man, Merlin Lu, was charged with a hate crime and arson after setting a cross on fire in Chicago's Grant Park. He claimed the act was a protest against President Donald Trump and Christian nationalists, denying it was racially motivated.
- Reward offered, suspect sought in Detroit arson case
A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in an arson case on Detroit's west side. Video footage shows a man approaching a vacant home with a bag before fleeing as flames emerged from the structure.
- Man Charged With Hate Crime, Arson After Grant Park Cross-Burning
A 21-year-old man has been charged with hate crimes, arson, and property damage after burning a cross in Grant Park. He claimed the act was a protest against Trump, not a hate crime. St. Sabina offered a reward for information leading to the arrest.
- Suspect charged with hate crime, arson for burning cross in Grant Park, Chicago police say
Merlin Lu, 21, is facing charges of arson and hate crime for burning a cross in Grant Park, according to Chicago police. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
- Man charged with hate crime, arson after burning cross found in Grant Park
A 21-year-old man has been charged with hate crime and arson after a burning cross was discovered in Grant Park. The incident occurred last week, prompting criminal charges against the individual.