Texas woman admits to church arson that caused millions in damage

A Texas woman has been sentenced to six years in prison for setting fire to a church in Washington state, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Natasha Marie O'Dell, 38, pleaded guilty earlier this year to arson, damage to religious property, and obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs. The case stemmed from an Aug. 25, 2023, blaze that destroyed Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County.

US District Judge Jamal Whitehead delivered the sentence, calling the act both "devastating and dangerous," Fox reports.

"Ms. O'Dell deliberately set fire to a church, causing complete destruction," Whitehead said. "The scope of the destruction is staggering. You burned down the spiritual home of a congregation … The wounds you have inflicted deepen for each day they are away from their home."

Prosecutors said O'Dell was visiting family when she carried out the arson. Investigators tied her to the fire through cell phone data, credit card records, and surveillance footage. According to court filings, she purchased lighters and a gallon of gasoline at a nearby service station before heading to the church.

Security cameras at the church captured O'Dell carrying a red gasoline container, pouring fuel along the exterior walls, and leaving as flames began to spread.

Prosecutors said O'Dell admitted to telling others she was angry with churches, specifically naming Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church. She also indicated she had considered targeting another church.

The fire caused more than $3.2 million in damage and forced the congregation to rent space at a local middle school for services. One firefighter was injured while battling the blaze.

"Ms. O'Dell acted with extreme disregard for community safety when she poured more than a gallon of gasoline on the church building and used a lighter to start the blaze," Acting Attorney Teal Luthy Miller said. "This conduct put anyone inside the church, the neighbors around the church, and the firefighters who responded in extreme danger. It is fortunate that only one firefighter suffered injuries."

A restitution amount will be determined at a later date.