Bonds Lowered For Teen Charged In Shakespeare Theater Fire

STRATFORD, CT — Bonds were lowered Friday for a Stratford teen charged with setting the Shakespeare theater ablaze and starting fires in three other towns, according to the Connecticut Post. Christopher Sakowicz, 18, saw his bonds reduced from $800,000 total to $245,000, the Post reported, which will allow him to have contact with family while he is being held in prison.

Sakowicz also requested a jury trial and pleaded not guilty to arson, burglary, criminal mischief and trespass charges for a fire that damaged trailers in March at a Milford park, according to the Post. Sakowicz, as well as Vincent Keller and Logan Caraballo, 18 and 17, respectively, and both of Stratford, are charged in the Shakespeare theater fire.

The iconic Shakespeare theater, which opened in 1955 and had been visited by famous actors and actresses including Katharine Hepburn, was destroyed in a blaze. The fire began during the overnight hours of 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 site is deeded to the town by the state and intended for community use.

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