Recent Posts in Arson Category

In Phoenix, firefighters gathered together to promote national Arson Awareness Week.  Firefighters in the city started an educational program called "Firesetters" that targets juveniles and tells them of the dangers of starting fires.

The Phoenix Fire Youth Firesetter Prevention Program works closely with kids that were ordered to attend courses instead of serving jail time for juvenile crimes.  The program also reaches out to children whose parents have ordered them to attend courses due to their habitual fire starting.  Through participating in the program, kids have the opportunity to learn about the dangers of international fires, which are responsible for causing 7,800 deaths or injuries on an annual basis. 

Every month, firefighters take the time to work with about 25 children and tell them about the dangers of arson.  Since its inception, the program has helped over 7,000 families in Arizona.

If your son or daughter was charged with a juvenile crime in Phoenix, such as arson, now is the time to hire a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer from the Knowles Law Firm.  Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your child's legal options.

A 20-year-old youth center worker will spend the next 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson and manslaughter.

John Antonucci started what turned out to be a deadly fire at the youth center where he worked in order to cover up evidence that he stole money from the center.  According to officials, Antonucci was a former employee of Young Champions for America, and was under investigation for embezzlement.

Jack Balentine of the Phoenix Fire Investigation Department said that Antonucci set the blaze with an accomplice who also worked at the youth center. Antonucci’s job was to stand outside and keep watch while the other man doused the building in gasoline and set it on fire. Authorities say Antonucci told them he heard a loud explosion while he was outside, and then saw his accomplice run out of the building on fire.

Instead of staying to help his friend, Antonucci fled the scene without calling for help. It was Antonucci’s accomplice, 28-year-old Josh Robinson, that died in the fire.