Trial set for one Cairo arson suspect

CAIRO, IL (KRCU) - A trial date has been set for one of the two men charged with two Cairo arsons. The other’s a preliminary hearing will come next week.

Richard Pitcher and David Patrick face two counts of arson. They are accused of setting two fires in Cairo in January.

Patrick'’s preliminary hearing was postponed due to a death in the family. The hearing will now be held on Wednesday.

Pitcher plead not guilty. His trial will be October 18 at the Alexander County Courthouse.

Pitcher and Patrick were both members of Alexander County’s auxiliary fire department. They were not members of the Cairo Fire Department.

Cairo faced a string of nearly 60 fires since September 2007.

Posted in: arson,Cairo IL