Arson

Former Journalist Mike Bivins Convicted of Bias Crimes, Including Arson and Hate-Fueled Attacks on Local Communities

by

Portland, Oregon — A Multnomah County jury found Mike Bivins, a former journalist, guilty on Thursday of all 11 counts in his bias crime trial, including serious felony charges of arson and criminal mischief. The verdict stems from a series of bias-driven attacks in May 2022 that targeted minority communities in the city. The jury determined that Bivins was responsible for damaging property at multiple locations, including breaking windows and vandalizing Congregation Beth Israel with a Nazi-themed death threat. Additionally, he attempted to ignite a fire at the Muslim Community Center while individuals were present … Read more

"Arrest in Disturbing Glasgow Incident: Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Arson After Domestic Violence Case"

by

Glasgow, Ky. — A Barren County grand jury will consider charges against a man accused of shooting a woman and igniting a fire in their residence. Shane Reece, 58, is facing multiple charges following his district court appearance on May 29, including attempted murder with domestic violence circumstances, first-degree arson, first-degree wanton endangerment, and animal torture. Reece was taken into custody by Glasgow police on May 20 after the alleged incident at a duplex on McGrah Avenue. During the court proceedings, Reece attended via Zoom while his arresting officer, Jarrett Graber, testified before District Judge … Read more

Neighborly Dispute Erupts into Arson: Valley Bend Man Charged After Porch Fire Incident

by

ELKINS, W.Va. — A 33-year-old Valley Bend man is facing serious charges, including burglary and arson, after a disturbing incident involving a neighbor’s porch. Roy Allen Carr appeared for a preliminary hearing in Randolph County Magistrate Court, where the evidence was deemed sufficient for the case to advance to a grand jury. Carr’s attorney, Paul Gwaltney, represented him during the Tuesday afternoon session. Carr is currently detained at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, where he awaits trial on a cash-only bond of $35,000. Magistrate Tracy Harper presided over the hearing, which featured testimonies that painted … Read more

Retrial Begins for Michigan Woman Accused of Fatal Arson, 15 Years After Initial Conviction

by

PAW PAW, Mich. — More than six years after her release, Linda Stermer returns to court in what marks the start of her second trial at the Van Buren County Circuit Court. The case, revisiting allegations from over a decade ago, accuses Stermer of setting her home ablaze with the intent to kill her husband. Stermer originally faced charges 15 years ago that led to her conviction and nearly a decade behind bars. Her conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal due to what was determined as inadequate representation by her defense attorney. This pivotal reversal … Read more