More Information Released About Arson Suspect

BLAIR COUNTY - On Friday 16^th November, WTAJ received more information on arson suspect Aaron Dishong.

Neighbors say he did not live in his East Freedom apartment very long nd though they did not know him well they are not suprised this happened.

Dishong lived in an apartment building along Wilt Lane just outside of McKee.

An affidavit states he left this apartment and lit the fire along Second Street in Altoona trying to kill his ex-girlfriend before their scheduled PFA hearing later on Thursday, it states he planned to kill her then himself.

After allegedly setting the fire, witnesses told police Dishong told them quote "he had gotten his ex girlfriend and that he was excited".

Later at the PFA hearing he found out he did not kill her, he had killed three year old Darrel Etchison Jr.

Domestic Abuse Shelter Team Leader Lacey Ceshini says this situation is frustrating and devastating. She had been working with Dishong's allegeded target.

"It's extremely frustrating and our sympathies go out to the families" she said.

In her opinion, Dishong should not have been allowed to walked the streets because he has made threats about killing the targeted victim before and the woman was scared for her life.

"There are occasionally the ones we are not able to protect to our fullest extent so we are all very sad and outraged is the big emotion every one is experiencing" she added.


In this case, since a child was killed she says the emotions are even deeper.


"When a little one is killed their are no words to describe how devastated we are" she said.