According to Jackson Mississippi Police Department, six minors have been convicted in connection with two arson incidents that occurred in October 2023, resulting in the destruction of a historic school building in Drew.
The first fire took place on October 14, 2023, at an abandoned school, which was swiftly contained by the Drew Volunteer Fire Department. The second fire, occurring the following day, caused extensive damage, leading to the collapse of the structure. The building was undergoing the process of being added to the Historical Register in Sunflower County at the time of the incidents.
Each minor involved in the arson has been sentenced accordingly:
Minor 1 (14 years old): Convicted of one count of 1st Degree Arson, ordered to pay $4,300 in restitution ($358 monthly), placed on one year probation, mandated to perform forty hours of community service, and attend court functions.
Minor 2 (14 years old): Convicted of one count of 1st Degree Arson, ordered to pay $4,300 in restitution ($358 monthly), placed on one year probation, mandated to perform forty hours of community service, and attend court functions.
Minor 3 (15 years old): Convicted of one count of 1st Degree Arson, ordered to pay $4,300 in restitution ($358 monthly), placed on one year probation, mandated to perform forty hours of community service, and attend court functions.
Minor 4 (15 years old): Convicted of one count of 1st Degree Arson, ordered to pay $4,300 in restitution ($358 monthly), placed on one year probation, mandated to perform forty hours of community service, and attend court functions.
Minor 5 (15 years old): Convicted of one count of 1st Degree Arson and one count of Criminal Trespass, ordered to pay $4,300 in restitution ($358 monthly), placed on eighteen months probation, mandated to perform forty hours of community service, and attend court functions.
Minor 6 (15 years old): Convicted of one count of Criminal Trespass, placed on six months probation, mandated to perform forty hours of community service.
Due to their status as minors, their identities have not been disclosed. These convictions mark a significant step in the legal proceedings following the destructive arson incidents in Drew, underscoring the seriousness with which such offenses are handled by the authorities.
