The damage sustained from a three-alarm fire at Edgebrook Lutheran Church on the Northwest Side was estimated at $1 million dollars according to the Chicago Sun-Times. James Deichman, a 61 year old parishioner, was held on $1 million dollar bond after he was charged with the felony.
Mr. Deichman was found inside the burning church by Jefferson Park District police Sgt. James Blaul. The sergeant said he saw a garbage fire behind the building last Sunday evening, and then noticed a broken window and the glow from a fire inside.
Upon entering the church, Mr. Blaul told the Chicago Sun-Times that he found Mr. Deichman sitting on the stairs. He claims the man may have incriminated himself but that "his words didn't make sense." Mr. Deichman finally admitted that he set the church on fire to Mr. Blaul. According to a police report he said: "I set the church on fire because it was more economical.''
It wasn't exactly clear what he meant by that statement. However, an Illinois criminal defense attorney may be able to make sense of it.
Deichman, a retired postal worker, also reportedly told prosecutors he used a lighter to commit the arson. Church officials told police Lt. John Lewison that they planned a social intervention for Deichman, for whom they expressed concern prior to the incident. Police described him as "manic."
Other parishioners describe Deichman as a mentally disturbed congregant suffering from "paranoid delusions." Although he frequently volunteered and remained an outgoing member of the church, other member of the church were concerned about his behavior.
According to police, the church fire required 130 fire fighters to control it.
Related Resources:
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Arson (FindLaw)
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Developing a Defense Strategy (FindLaw)
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Contact a Chicago Criminal Attorney (FindLaw)
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