Arson Charges Filed Against Denton Man in Connection with String of Fires
A Denton man is facing four arson charges, including two first-degree felonies, in connection with a string of fires that occurred months ago, one of which led to the death of an elderly couple, officials said Wednesday.
Following a joint investigation by Denton’s fire and police departments, it was determined that 36-year-old John Howard Ore “intentionally” set three blazes in December and January, according to a news release from Denton police.
One of the fires took place at the elderly couple’s home, while the other two occurred at a daycare and restaurant.
Incidents Timeline
The first fire occurred on Dec. 17 at about 3 a.m. at a restaurant located in the 6400 block of Interstate 35. Police said the building sustained “significant fire damage,” but no one was injured.
The next day on Dec. 18 at about 10:54 p.m. Denton firefighters responded to a structure fire at the elderly couple’s home in the 2000 block of Houston Place. Firefighters rescued the two victims from the burning home, but officials said they later “succumbed to their injuries” and died at local hospitals.
Police identified the couple as Dante Bassi, 103, and Marilyn Bradley-Bassi, 83.
Additional Fires and Investigation
A month later on Jan. 21 at about 10:14 p.m., Denton firefighters extinguished a fire at a daycare in the 1700 block of West Oak Street. Police said video footage revealed “a man breaking a window with a stone” and spraying a liquid through the window, igniting a small fire in the building. No one was injured in this fire, however.
The evidence collected from each location showed that the fires were initiated in similar manners, police said. Additional video footage and evidence led investigators to tying link Ore to all three arsons.
Arrest and Charges
He was arrested on Jan. 23 on two counts of arson for the restaurant and daycare fires, police said.
Tarrant and Dallas counties medical examiner offices have since ruled the manners of deaths for the elderly couple as homicides. Subsequently, investigators secured two additional warrants for arson causing serious bodily injury or death, the second of which authorities served on Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
Ore was being held in Denton County Jail Wednesday evening with a $2.1 million bond, records show. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
Related Incidents
Conclusion
The investigation into the string of fires in Denton has led to the arrest of John Howard Ore, who is facing four arson charges, including two first-degree felonies. The incidents resulted in the death of an elderly couple and significant damage to a restaurant and daycare. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
FAQs
Q: What is the name of the suspect arrested in connection with the string of fires in Denton?
A: The suspect’s name is John Howard Ore, a 36-year-old Denton man.
Q: How many fires did Ore allegedly set?
A: Ore is accused of setting three fires in December and January, including one that resulted in the death of an elderly couple.
Q: What are the charges against Ore?
A: Ore is facing four arson charges, including two first-degree felonies, and is being held in Denton County Jail with a $2.1 million bond.
Q: Were there any other incidents related to the fires?
A: Yes, there were other incidents, including a fire at a beloved Dallas-Fort Worth burger joint and an overnight apartment fire that required the response of about 70 Dallas Fire-Rescue firefighters.
