Spokane arson suspect Aaron Farinacci charged with first-degree arson, previously convicted of killing father

Published Aug 5, 03:06 PM UTC

Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old Spokane resident, has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly starting the largest of three wildfires that have destroyed over 700 buildings around Spokane, Washington. Court documents reveal Farinacci was questioned by police during two fire investigations last year. He was arrested and made his first court appearance this week. Sheriff's deputies stopped him near the Old Trails Fire on Saturday, finding him with waterproof matches, a butane lighter, and cigarettes. A local resident, Paul Child, reported Farinacci's suspicious behavior shortly before the fire started. Farinacci previously served nearly a decade in an Arizona prison for fatally shooting his father during an argument over washing dishes. He is expected to enter a plea at his arraignment on Thursday, and faces up to life in prison if convicted.