Arrest made in arson fire at historic Indiana church

Published: 2007-05-17

NEW CASTLE, Ind. (CNS) -- Five weeks after fire destroyed historic St. Anne Church in New Castle during the early morning hours of Holy Saturday, Henry County authorities arrested William L. Abbott, 33, of New Castle on felony charges of arson, burglary and theft. County prosecutor Kit Crane said Abbott was arrested May 10 and charged with three felony counts of arson for endangering the lives of others, setting fire to a house of worship and causing a loss greater than $5,000. New Castle firefighter Jack Thurman injured his back while battling the April 7 blaze that gutted the 83-year-old brick church and county landmark. Abbott, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is being held at the Henry County Jail. The probable cause affidavit said investigators determined the fire was caused by "open flame ignition to available materials." The affidavit also noted that Abbott's fingerprints were identified on a full bottle of altar wine taken from a locked cabinet in the church and discarded in a dumpster. Not-guilty pleas were entered on Abbott's behalf May 11. His trial is set to begin Sept. 11.

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .