Craig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at [email protected].
TUCSON, Ariz. The man found guilty of burning two historic churches in Douglas has been sentenced to just over 36 years in prison.Federal Judge Scott Rash handed down the sentence in Tucson Federal Court Tuesday morning.Eric Ridenour was convicted of arson. Prosecutors presented evidence that showed Ridenour was angry that St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church had a gay pastor, and First Presbyterian had a female pastor.
Before the appeals ruling, Judge Scott Rash made the ruling that Ridenour's actions were driven by hate.Ridenour served as his own attorney. The court appointed a professional attorney to assist Ridenour as a consultant but Ridenour managed his own defense. He asked few questions and said little in court. He refused to make closing statements to the jury because he regarded the trial as in conflict with the Bible.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Evidence questions in former Sheriff’s Deputy’s sexual assault trialCraig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at craig.smithkgun9.com.
Read more »
US Attorney recommends Ridenour gets 39 years for church firesCraig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at craig.smithkgun9.com.
Read more »
Getting passenger trains on track for ArizonaCraig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at craig.smithkgun9.com.
Read more »
Jury deliberations expected Friday in former Deputy’s sex assault trialCraig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at craig.smithkgun9.com.
Read more »
Jury says former deputy 'not guilty' of sexual assault; guilty verdict for lesser chargesCraig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at craig.smithkgun9.com.
Read more »
Sentence delayed in Douglas church arson caseCraig Smith is KGUN 9's Southeast side reporter. Send your story ideas to Craig at craig.smithkgun9.com.
Read more »