Texas woman sentenced to 6 years in prison for setting Washington state church on fire
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A Texas woman was sentenced to six years in prison in connection with a 2023 arson attack on a church in Washington state, according to federal prosecutors.

Natasha Marie O’Dell, 38, was sentenced Thursday on three felonies for the arson of Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County, Washington, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington announced.

O’Dell pleaded guilty earlier this year to arson, damage to religious property and obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs.

“This offense was devastating and dangerous,” U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead said at the sentencing hearing on Thursday. “Ms. O’Dell deliberately set fire to a church, causing complete destruction.”

Fire truck

Part of the security system’s video surveillance survived the fire and captured the woman moving around the church with a gasoline container. (Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue)

The fire resulted in more than $3.2 million in damages to the church, which has incurred additional costs by renting a nearby middle school to hold their services multiple times a week.

A firefighter was injured while fighting the flames and was transported to an emergency room.

“Ms. O’Dell acted with extreme disregard for community safety when she poured more than a gallon of gasoline on the church building and used a lighter to start the blaze,” Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller said in a statement. “This conduct put anyone inside the church, the neighbors around the church, and the firefighters who responded in extreme danger. It is fortunate that only one firefighter suffered injuries.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago weather: Warmer weather this weekend in Chicago area week after first snowfall of season

Chicago Weather Update: Warm Temperatures Expected This Weekend Following Season’s First Snowfall

CHICAGO – After the Chicago area experienced its first snowfall of the…
Ancient goblet found in West Bank holds oldest image of the universe's birth: study

Unearthed West Bank Goblet Reveals Oldest Cosmic Birth Image – A Groundbreaking Discovery

A recently discovered 4,300-year-old silver goblet from the West Bank features what…
Fitness influencer dies in suspicious fall from Rio de Janeiro apartment building

Tragedy Strikes: Fitness Influencer’s Mysterious Fall from Rio Apartment Raises Questions

A tragic incident unfolded in Rio de Janeiro when Diana Areas, a…
Chicago crime: Video shows crash-and-grab thieves slam stolen car into Garfield Park store; Humboldt Park shop also hit, CPD says

Chicago Crime Surge: Dramatic Crash-and-Grab Thefts Hit Garfield and Humboldt Park Stores

In a concerning trend, Chicago has recently witnessed a spate of crash-and-grab…
Bill Belichick releases bombshell statement about returning to the NFL

Bill Belichick’s Shocking Announcement: His Unexpected Plans for an NFL Comeback!

Bill Belichick has decisively shut down any speculation about a potential return…
Mike Brown defends controversial Jalen Brunson decision

Mike Brown Stands Firm on Bold Jalen Brunson Choice Amid Controversy

In a recent reflection on coaching strategies, Mike Brown’s perspective on utilizing…
Josh Hart delivers histpric Knicks performance in win

Josh Hart Shines with Historic Performance, Leading Knicks to Victory

Just two days ago, Josh Hart found himself sidelined for the entire…
Melodee Buzzard’s mom plotted to ‘cut off’ missing 9-year-old from ‘entire world,’ grandma says

Grandmother Reveals Shocking Plan by Mother to Isolate Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard

Melodee Buzzard’s disappearance has taken a troubling turn as her grandmother reveals…