Spokane arson suspect Aaron Farinacci charged with first-degree arson; previously served nearly a decade for fatally shooting his father

Published Aug 5, 03:06 PM UTC

Aaron Farinacci, a Spokane resident, has been charged with first-degree arson for allegedly starting the largest of three wildfires that have destroyed over 700 buildings in Washington state. Court documents released Tuesday show Farinacci was questioned by police during two fire investigations last year. He was arrested and made his first court appearance earlier this week. Farinacci previously served nearly a decade in prison in Arizona for fatally shooting his father during an argument over washing dishes. On Saturday, sheriff's deputies stopped Farinacci near the fast-growing Old Trails Fire but were unaware of his prior fire-related contacts. He was found carrying waterproof matches, a butane lighter, and cigarettes. A local resident, Paul Child, reported Farinacci's suspicious behavior at the fire's origin site. Farinacci is expected to enter a plea at his arraignment on Thursday, and first-degree arson carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison.