Suspect arrested for fires at historically black churches in St. Landry Parish identified

A person is in custody in connection with fires set at historically black churches in St. Landry Parish. “A suspect has been identified in connection with the three church burnings in Opelousas, Louisiana, and is in state custody," said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.Holden Matthews, 21, was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on three counts of simple arson of a religious building.The churches have burned since March 26 in what officials have described as "suspicious circumstances."The first fire occurred March 26 at St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre. Greater Union burned Tuesday and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, also in Opelousas, was set on fire last Thursday.According to KATC, the suspect is the son of a St. Landry Parish deputy.In addition to the collaboration between the SFM, ATF and the FBI, the Louisiana State Police, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are participating in the case with St. Landry Fire Districts No. 2 and No. 3 assisting.At this time, investigators have identified suspicious elements in each case and those elements are being thoroughly probed, according to the state fire marshal's office. "There is clearly something happening in this community,” said State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning. “That’s why it’s imperative that the citizens of this community be part of our effort to figure out what it is.” A news conference was held Thursday to update the public on the latest in the investigation.

Advertisement Related Content Former Saints tight end Benjamin Watson supports three churches burned in St. Landry Parish

A person is in custody in connection with fires set at historically black churches in St. Landry Parish.

“A suspect has been identified in connection with the three church burnings in Opelousas, Louisiana, and is in state custody," said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.



Holden Matthews, 21, was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on three counts of simple arson of a religious building.

The churches have burned since March 26 in what officials have described as "suspicious circumstances."

The first fire occurred March 26 at St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre. Greater Union burned Tuesday and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, also in Opelousas, was set on fire last Thursday.

According to KATC, the suspect is the son of a St. Landry Parish deputy.

In addition to the collaboration between the SFM, ATF and the FBI, the Louisiana State Police, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are participating in the case with St. Landry Fire Districts No. 2 and No. 3 assisting.

At this time, investigators have identified suspicious elements in each case and those elements are being thoroughly probed, according to the state fire marshal's office.

"There is clearly something happening in this community,” said State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning. “That’s why it’s imperative that the citizens of this community be part of our effort to figure out what it is.”

A news conference was held Thursday to update the public on the latest in the investigation.