Deputy’s son arrested in connection with fires at historically black churches

#Arson #Fire #BlackChurches #HoldenMatthews #ATF #FBI 

The son of a Louisiana sheriff’s deputy was arrested Wednesday in connection with a series of arson attacks at three historically black churches in the span of just 10 days.

Authorities in St. Landry Parish took 21-year-old Holden Matthews — son of St. Landry Parish Deputy Roy Matthews — into custody around 5:30 p.m. following a joint investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s Office and the FBI, KATC-TV reported.

Cops have refused to release any information about Matthews, who is white, or a possible motive, but sources told the local television station that the fires appeared to have been intentionally set.

St. Landry officials said they would be providing an update at a press conference Thursday morning.

The NAACP believes the fires — which occurred at St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre on March 26, Greater Union Baptist Church in Opelousas on April 2, and nearby Mount Pleasant Baptist Church on April 4 — were racially motivated and should be labeled “domestic terrorism.”

“We must not turn a blind eye to any incident where people are targeted because of the color of their skin or their faith,” the group said in a statement Monday. “The spike in church burnings in Southern states is a reflection of the emboldened racial rhetoric and tension spreading across the country. But this is nothing new.”

US Attorney David Joseph had called the recent string of arson attacks “despicable.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, and FBI are working with state and local law enforcement and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims and those St. Landry Parish residents affected,” he said in a statement.

The areas where the churches are located are predominately black, and many residents are now living on the edge.

“The relevance and the impact on the people in the surrounding communities and especially the congregation of each of these churches, it’s hurtful and there may be some fear that is being exhibited by those who are a part of the three churches,” said Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor.

Speaking in his State of the State address, Gov. John Bel Edwards added: “Churches are sacred places, and no one should fear for their safety in their house of worship … and no one should be concerned that their house of worship would be destroyed.”

Matthews, an Opelousas resident, describes himself on Facebook as a lead singer for a heavy metal band called Vodka Vultures. Not much else is known about him. He was being held at the St. Landry Parish jail on Wednesday night.

By Chris Perez  April 10, 2019