What Happened to the Juveniles Who Started the Gatlinburg Fires?
In November 2016, a series of wildfires tore through Gatlinburg, Tennessee, causing widespread devastation. The fires were eventually determined to have been started by three juveniles playing with matches. The boys, who were 12 and 13 years old, were charged with aggravated arson and faced up to 20 years in prison.
The Gatlinburg fires caused an estimated $1.1 billion in damage and destroyed over 2,400 buildings. The fires also led to the deaths of 14 people and the evacuation of thousands of residents.
Sentencing of the Juveniles
In juvenile court, the boys pleaded guilty to aggravated arson. They were sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution.
The sentences were criticized by some as being too lenient. However, the judge in the case said that he took into account the boys’ ages and lack of criminal history when imposing the sentences.
Public Reaction
The Gatlinburg fires sparked outrage and a public outcry. Many people were angry that the boys were not sentenced to prison. Some called for the boys to be tried as adults.
Others argued that the boys were children and should not be punished too harshly. They said that the boys were remorseful for their actions and deserved a second chance.
Aggravated Arson
Aggravated arson is a serious crime that can result in serious consequences.
Under Tennessee law, aggravated arson is defined as the intentional burning of a building or other structure, knowing that someone is inside, or if the burning causes great bodily harm or death.
The crime of aggravated arson is punishable by a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison.
Juvenile Arson
Juvenile arson is a serious problem in the United States. In 2018, there were over 10,000 reported cases of juvenile arson.
Juvenile arson can be caused by a variety of factors, including peer pressure, boredom, and a desire to experiment with fire. In many cases, juvenile arsonists do not realize the consequences of their actions.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent juvenile arson, including: educating children about the dangers of fire, providing them with positive role models, and giving them opportunities to participate in positive activities.
Expert Advice on Juvenile Arson
There are a number of things that parents and educators can do to help prevent juvenile arson.
Here are some tips from a juvenile arson expert:
- Talk to your children about the dangers of fire.
- Set clear rules about playing with fire.
- Be a good role model.
- Provide your children with positive activities to participate in.
- Get help for your child if he or she is struggling with mental health issues.
FAQs on Juvenile Arson
What is the penalty for juvenile arson?
The penalty for juvenile arson varies depending on the state in which the crime was committed. In some states, juvenile arsonists may be sentenced to probation, community service, or a juvenile detention facility. In other states, juvenile arsonists may be tried as adults and sentenced to prison.
What are the warning signs of juvenile arson?
There are a number of warning signs that may indicate that a child is at risk of committing arson, including:
- Interest in fire
- Playing with fire
- Setting small fires
- Talking about setting fires
- History of firesetting
What should I do if I suspect my child is setting fires?
If you suspect that your child is setting fires, it is important to take action immediately. Talk to your child about the dangers of fire and set clear rules about playing with fire. If your child continues to set fires, seek professional help.
Conclusion
The Gatlinburg fires were a tragic event that caused widespread devastation. The fires were started by three juveniles who were playing with matches. The boys were sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution.
Juvenile arson is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. There are a number of things that parents and educators can do to prevent juvenile arson.
If you suspect that your child is setting fires, it is important to take action immediately.
Are you interested in learning more about juvenile arson?