The son of a Louisiana sheriff's deputy has been arrested in connection to fires at three black churches, say sources.
Two of the Baptist houses of worship _ Greater Union Baptist Church, which was destroyed on April 2, and Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, which burned on April 4 _ were located in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish. St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre was destroyed on March 26.
The suspect has been identified as Holden Matthews, according to TV station KATC.
"A suspect has been identified in connection with the three church burnings in Opelousas, La., and is in state custody," said U.S. Attorney David Joseph on Wednesday. "The U.S. Attorney's Office, ATF and FBI are working with state and local law enforcement and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims and those St. Landry Parish residents affected by these despicable acts."
All three churches had been in existence for over a century, said pastors. The churches, which were situated on rural highways, were set ablaze in the early morning hours.
Fire Marshal Butch Browning called the fires suspicious in an April 4 press conference. He told Mount Pleasant worshipers on April 7 that about 200 officials were working on the investigation.
The FBI also is probing.
Investigators, as well as Browning wouldn't confirm if race was the primary motive for the burnings.
"I want whoever did it to know we love them," said the Rev. Harry Richard of Greater Union Baptist Church on Wednesday. "Sometimes I understand people who are hurting hurt people, but we love them."
