Teen Who Admitted To Setting Fire In PA High School Learns His Fate
By Jim Melwert
LANSDALE, Pa. (CBS) -- Despite recommendations of probation for the Lansdale teen who admitted to setting a fire in North Penn High School last month, a judge orders him committed to a residential facility that specializes in fire-setters.
The 17-year-old broke down in tears on the stand, saying he can't help but think he's some kind of monster for what he did.
He admitted earlier this month to setting the May 24th fire in the band storage room of North Penn High School. It caused $800,000 worth of damage, including instruments, sheet music, band uniforms and marching band flags.
North Penn School District superintendent Dr. Curtis Deitrich says they're working on replacing the gear for the fall.
"I am confident that will be ready for the football season I'm not yet confident that we'll be able to be operational out of that high school band area because of all the necessary repairs."
The teen told a detective he was struggling with medical issues, the death of a friend, and his father's arrest and incarceration, and lighting fires was emotionally gratifying.
Judge Wendy Demchick-Alloy acknowledged his difficulties in life, but told him, "You don't have a monopoly on trauma." Saying he needs immediate help, and for protection of the community she ordered him to a residential facility that deals with fire-starters.
He'll be re-evaluated in three months, but no timetable on completion of the program.