CINCINNATI — Four people were arraigned Wednesday morning in connection with the massive fire that damaged the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge.
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Three men and a woman are now in custody for their alleged involvement with the fire, according to our news partners at WCPO.
James Hamilton, Terry Stiles, Zachary Stumpf and Kaitlen Hall were arrested in connection with the Nov. 1 fire at 1,000 Hands Playground in Sawyer Point Park.
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Authorities said none of the people arrested are homeless, despite the fire sparking a debate about homeless encampments around Cincinnati.
Court records show that Zachary Stumpf, 23, and Terry Stiles, 39, are facing aggravated arson charges based on video and witness statements.
Court records show Hall and Hamilton face charges of obstructing justice after both allegedly gave misleading information to investigators about Stiles and Stumpf during officials’ arson investigation
Stiles and Stumpf were both issued a $1 million bond. They are expected to be back in court on Dec. 17.
Both Hall and Hamilton were issued $60,000 bonds. They are scheduled to appear in court on December 20.
Hall and Hamilton’s defense attorney said their accused crimes are just “words.”
The bridge was severely damaged after the playground, located beneath the bridge, caught fire overnight and burned for hours in a blaze that was large and hot enough to warp some of the steel beams supporting the bridge.
Ohio Department of Transportation officials have estimated the full cost of repairing the bridge will be around $10 million.
We will continue to follow this story.
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