Two charged with arson in southern Illinois church fire

Two men have been arrested and indicted in connection with an arson that caused more than $300,000 in damage to McKinney Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Williamson County, Illinois, according to the local sheriff’s office.

Deputies responded to the church on July 24 and found broken windows, fire damage, and other destruction throughout the building, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said.

Photos released by the sheriff’s office show fire-scorched wood inside the sanctuary and heavy damage to the flooring and walls in a restroom, underscoring the extent of destruction left behind at the church. Damage is estimated to exceed $300,000.

Following an investigation, detectives identified two suspects: Ethan G. Lam, who was arrested July 30, and Chad E. Krueger, who was taken into custody Aug. 14.

Read more: The Paducah Sun