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2 Youth Charged With Aggravated Arson in Tennessee Wildfires

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Authorities believe the Tennessee wildfires that began on Thanksgiving weekend, killing 14 and injuring 134, were acts of arson and have since arrested two youth. Over 1,700 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including businesses and homes lost. In a press conference held on December 7, local District Attorney General James Dunn identified that the juveniles will face charges of aggravated arson.

2 Youth Charged With Aggravated Arson in the Wake of the Tennessee Wildfires

Photo: Pinterest/Sherry Barnett Williams

Name, gender, and age are among the many details that are to be kept sealed in accordance with state law. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is heading up the case and Director Mark Gwyn has stated in an interview, “Our promise is that we will do every effort to help bring closure to those who have lost so much.” He explained that the investigation is presently ongoing, with the possibility of supplementary charges being added, which could mean that the two juveniles could be tried in adult court.

2 Youth Charged With Aggravated Arson in the Wake of the Tennessee Wildfires

Photo: Pinterest/Sondra Lawrence

The two youths, who are from Tennessee, however not from Sevier County, are presently being held in the Sevier County juvenile detention center awaiting a detention hearing which they have a right to within 72 hours of their incarceration. This hearing could determine whether they would receive bond. The fire, which started in the Chimney Tops locale of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spread to Gatlinburg, leaving homes and business in ruin in its wake. Dunn closed the news conference noting that the investigation is still underway with respect to exact details on how the wildfires were started.

Source:

Tribunist