Church Fire Arsonists Plead Guilty
Posted/updated on: December 16, 2010 at 11:28 am
TYLER — Two men have pleaded guilty in 114th District Court to burning several churches across Smith County. James Bourque, 20, and Daniel McAllister, 22, pleaded guilty yesterday morning in 114th District. Bourque was charged with five counts of arson and three counts of arson attempts, while McAllister was charged with two counts of arson and two arson attempts. The arson charges are first-degree felonies, for which the state recommends a life sentence in prison. The arson attempts are second-degree felonies, and the state recommends a 20-year sentence for those. Both McAllister and Bourque pled guilty to all charges, which means they gave up their right to a jury and witnesses. The court will meet again on January 10th at 8:30am to discuss their sentences.
