Eastford, Woodstock, and South Windsor CT – Following a multi-month investigation by the Connecticut State Police (CSP), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and South Windsor Police, two juveniles were arrested on numerous charges stemming from the burglary and arsons of the Congregational Church of Eastford (Eastford), Crystal Lake Park lodge (Woodstock), and an additional fire in South Windsor.
At approximately 3:25 a.m. on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023, firefighters were called to the Congregational Church of Eastford, 8 Church Rd, for a reported structure fire. Crews battled the fire throughout the night but when the congregation awoke in the morning to begin preparing for Sunday mass, the historic church which once stood proudly on the hill was no more. Read our full article on the fire here.
At the time of the fire Troopers from CSP Troop D responded to the scene and the CSP Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit (FEIU) was requested by the Eastford Fire Marshal to assist with the investigation. While conducting their on-scene investigation, additional information became available linking the fire to another in South Windsor, CT. With this development, the CSP FEIU requested assistance from CSP Eastern District Major Crimes (EDMC) and federal agents from the ATF.
For multiple days CSP detectives assigned to EDMC, Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), FEIU, South Windsor Police, and ATF agents surveilled possible targets and worked to develop the connection/motive between the fires/crimes in South Windsor and Eastford.
During the early hours of April 30th, 2023, Troopers assigned to CSP Troop D were conducting a patrol check of Crystal Pond Park (formerly Camp Nahaco), 305 Crystal Pond Rd, Woodstock, regarding an ongoing investigation. As they entered the property, troopers heard an explosion from the main lodge. As they moved to investigate, a vehicle was seen fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. When Troopers arrived at the lodge they discovered an active fire. They entered the structure and extinguished the fire before it developed to cause severe damage to the building. The Woodstock Fire Marshal was requested to conduct an investigation. During the on-scene investigation, the CSP FEIU and ATF were requested to assist.
A regional Be On the Lookout (BOLO) was broadcast with the description of the vehicle seen fleeing from Crystal Pond Park. Troopers quickly located the vehicle in the area but when they attempted to stop the vehicle it fled. They briefly pursued but troopers were forced to terminate due to weather conditions. South Windsor officers later placed a male juvenile in custody and transported him to Troop D for questioning regarding the incidents. Following questioning a full confession was given and he was charged with Arson and Burglary, along with engaging in a pursuit and other motor vehicle charges. He was transported to Hartford Detention Center to be held in accordance with an order to detain secured by Troopers.
The second suspect, a female juvenile, was later located by EDMC detectives and transported to Troop D for questioning. She also provided a full confession and was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Arson, Burglary, and numerous other crimes. She was released to the custody of her parents with an assigned juvenile court date.
On September 08, 2023, the male juvenile was charged with the following crimes:
- Arson 1st Degree
- Burglary 3rd Degree
- Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
- Reckless Endangerment.
On September 27, 2023, the female juvenile was charged with the following crimes regarding the arson at the Congregational Church of Eastford:
- Conspiracy to commit Arson 1st Degree
- Burglary 3rd Degree
- Criminal Mischief 1st degree
- Reckless Endangerment 1st degree
Additional charges were also brought against both parties for their crimes in South Windsor and Woodstock.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the Connecticut State Police (Troop D, Troop C, Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), Eastern District Major Crimes (EDMC), Fire & Explosives Investigation Unit (FEIU)), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), South Windsor Police Department, Eastford Fire Marshal’s Office, Woodstock Fire Mashal’s Office.