Arrested Teens Identified In Shakespeare Theater Fire: Report

STRATFORD, CT — The three teens that have been arrested in connection to the fire that destroyed the iconic Shakespeare Theater in Stratford earlier this year will be tried as adults and their identities have been made public, according to the Connecticut Post.

The Post reports Vincent Keller, 18, and Christopher Sakowicz, 18, both of Stratford, are accused of setting the fire and Logan Caraballo, 17, of Shelton, drove them to the theater property and parked in the lot.

The big break in the case came late last month when Caraballo’s mother called a state police arson tip line with information that her son had received a message on social media that two of his friends had set the fire, according to the Post.

Stratford Police announced the arrest of a third teen in connection to the fire on Tuesday morning. The juvenile was charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree arson, third-degree criminal trespass, third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief, according to Capt. Frank Eannotti.

Two teens were arrested on Monday in connection to the fire. The teens are also believed to be connected to the recent fire involving the storage trailers at Silver Sands State Park in Milford, two in West Haven and one that heavily damaged the former Southbury Training School, the Connecticut Post reported on Monday, citing police sources.

The juveniles who were arrested on Monday were each charged with first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass, first-degree reckless endangerment, conspiracy to commit third-degree arson, third-degree criminal trespass, third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief.

The iconic Shakespeare Theater, which opened in 1955 and had been visited by famous actors and actresses including Katharine Hepburn, was destroyed in a fire in January. The fire began during the overnight hours on Jan. 13.

The theater largely stopped showing plays in the 1980s and there has been talk for decades about how to revitalize the historic property. The town launched the Shakespeare Property Task Force earlier this year. The task force, which includes 11 residents appointed by Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick, manages the community conversations for the future public use of the grounds that once held the historic theater.

Read more at the Connecticut Post here.

See also: Photos: American Shakespeare Theatre Ravaged By Stratford Fire