Investigators are working to determine the motives
of Holden Matthews, the alleged arsonist in the
destruction of three black Baptist churches in
Louisiana. State Fire Marshal Office photo
Suspect charged in La. black church burnings
http://www.bpnews.net/52722/suspect-charged-in-la-black-church-burnings
ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (BP) — A 21-year-old white man is charged with arson
in fires that destroyed three black Baptist churches in St. Landry Parish.
Investigators reportedly haven’t determined whether the fires were racially motivated.
Holden Matthews, the son of a St. Landry Parish sheriff’s deputy, was arrested
late yesterday afternoon (April 10) and charged with three counts of arson.
No motive has been determined, but investigators are considering Matthews’
membership in a band that plays “black metal” music, a genre that has promoted
church burnings in other countries.
“This was an attack on the house of God,” Louisiana State Fire Marshal H.
“Butch” Browning said in a 10 a.m. press conference today (April 11).
“Though the Spirit is still strong, the landmark has been destroyed. We
took that very seriously in this investigation.”
Investigators are working to determine the motives
of Holden Matthews, the alleged arsonist in the
destruction of three black Baptist churches in
Louisiana. State Fire Marshal Office photo