ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY -- The Blair County District Attorney said once news of the fatal Altoona fire spread, people started coming forward with information. Police, fire officials and prosecutors held an impromptu news conference late Thursday night.
After learning that the duplex at 113 South Second Street caught on fire and someone died, prosecutors said people quickly told police that it was likely no accident and 62-year-old Aaron Dishong probably set it on fire.
"The apparent motive for the setting of the fire was that Mr. Dishong believed that an ex-paramour of his was in the residence at the time and he sought to set the fire in an attempt to end her life," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Wade Kagarise.
It turns out, she wasn't there. Kagarise said Dishong had people drive him by the home twice this week. At least one of those people came forward to police with that information then police quickly contacted fire officials.
"Initially no one was aware of the situation. Everyone thought it was a horrific accident," said District Attorney Rich Consiglio.
Kagarise said police recorded phone conversations between confidential informants and Dishong and he incriminated himself in them. All of these developments came together in just hours.
"None of this would have happened without cooperation and selfless efforts by each agency," Det. Sgt. Ben Jones of the Altoona Police Department said.
Dishong was soon arrested. Kagarise said there were several inconsistencies in the stories Dishong told police. Kagarise also said the woman had a PFA against Dishong.
After learning that the duplex at 113 South Second Street caught on fire and someone died, prosecutors said people quickly told police that it was likely no accident and 62-year-old Aaron Dishong probably set it on fire.
"The apparent motive for the setting of the fire was that Mr. Dishong believed that an ex-paramour of his was in the residence at the time and he sought to set the fire in an attempt to end her life," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Wade Kagarise.
It turns out, she wasn't there. Kagarise said Dishong had people drive him by the home twice this week. At least one of those people came forward to police with that information then police quickly contacted fire officials.
"Initially no one was aware of the situation. Everyone thought it was a horrific accident," said District Attorney Rich Consiglio.
Kagarise said police recorded phone conversations between confidential informants and Dishong and he incriminated himself in them. All of these developments came together in just hours.
"None of this would have happened without cooperation and selfless efforts by each agency," Det. Sgt. Ben Jones of the Altoona Police Department said.
Dishong was soon arrested. Kagarise said there were several inconsistencies in the stories Dishong told police. Kagarise also said the woman had a PFA against Dishong.
Comments
This man needs to be put to death! I too can feel for the family and what they are going through! I lost a 5yr old and a 3yr old 5 years ago, for similar acts, but not arson. I hope the family gets justice for their little boy!! If the family ever needs any help with any thing please have them contact me, for I am aware of several emotions going on. 814-762-5229. I am so very sorry for your loss!!! May god bless your family and put this monster to death!
Megan M.
November 20, 2012 at 3:35 pm
This man needs to be put to death! I too can feel for the family and what they are going through! I have a 5yr old and a 3yr old 5 years ago, for similar acts, but not arson. I hope the family gets justice for their little boy!! If the family ever needs any help with any thing please have them contact me, for I am aware of several emotions going on. 814-762-5229. I am so very sorry for your loss!!! May god bless your family and put this monster to death!
Megan M.
November 20, 2012 at 3:34 pm
This man needs to be put to death! I too can feel for the family and what they are going through! I love a 5yr old and a 3yr old 5 years ago, for similar acts, but not arson. I hope the family gets justice for their little boy!! If the family ever needs any help with any thing please have them contact me, for I am aware of several emotions going on. 814-762-5229. I am so very sorry for your loss!!! May god bless your family and put this monster to death!
Megan M.
November 20, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Put him in with gen pop and let the inmates know what he did... justice has a way of finding you when you hurt kids!
Dave D.
November 17, 2012 at 9:16 am
He should get the death chair for what he did to that little three year old, just because of his selfishness.
Dorothy W.
November 16, 2012 at 4:26 pm
