YORK COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – The York County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 14-year-old boy and charged him with 3rd-degree arson for allegedly setting a predominantly Black church in Rock Hill on fire.
Authorities said they do not believe it was racially motivated.
QCN brought the news to you last month about investigators suspecting arson at Catawba Chapel AME Zion Church. Leadership members found the burned evidence days before heading to church for Sunday service.
Investigators said since there was no heat, flames, or smoke, they believed the crime to have happened days before it was discovered.
‘It’s hurtful’: Church members recount sight of burned church items in arson investigation
Authorities said the suspect is in custody at the Department of Juvenile Justice. He was petitioned to family court and his evaluation and sentencing are pending.