Holden Matthews, the 21-year-old son of a St. Laundry Parish police deputy, has been taken into policy custody in connection to the three recent church fires in Louisiana.
Local outlet KATC reports that despite rumors, Matthews’ father did not turn him in.
The three historically black churches were also located within the Parish: St. Mary’s Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, all more than 100 years old.
Local police are planning a press conference at 10 AM on Thursday to provide more details about the suspect’s identity.
A fourth church, 200 miles away from the other three and predominantly white, also burned down recently. While police initially thought the blaze was unrelated, CNN is reporting that the fire was also intentionally set.
I’m sure it’s all a big misunderstanding. Old churches burn down all the time. Mostly it’s the wormwood and the gall.
Hate crime charges. Also federal charges for violating church members’ civil rights. Right-wing terrorists think they can get away with this now. Louisiana and the feds have to make an example of this racist scum.
Suspect is the son of a law enforcement officer.
Just hope that the suspect is the right person. And that they find anyone who worked with him/her.
While definitely not the case here, there have been numerous instances in recent years where the media right away speculated on hate crimes in such fires and it was false. Yes, old churches burn down a lot. They usually have horrible and inadequate wiring and people tend to overload circuits without realizing it, and they are vacant for extended periods so a small fire will spread easily. They are very vulnerable to lightning strikes (that happens a lot). Also, many times homeless will crash in such places since they are vacant a lot, and either a lit cigarette can start a fire, or they start small fires to keep warm and they spread (both of those are usually considered arson, but in no way are they hate crimes).
But yes, none of those apply here. This appears to be a hate crime. But also old churches burning is a very common occurrence.