New Details In Shakespeare Theater Fire Arrests

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford community is still recovering from the fire that destroyed the iconic Shakespeare Theater earlier this year. The theater, which opened in 1955 and had been visited by famous actors and actresses including Katharine Hepburn, largely stopped showing plays in the 1980s and there had been talk for decades about how to revitalize the historic property.

The conversation has shifted to what will be the future use of the grounds after a group of teens set out to burn down the historic structure in the early morning hours on Jan. 13, according to new details released in the case.

Three teens were arrested this week in connection to the fire and will be tried as adults and their identities have been made public, according to the Connecticut Post. 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, according to the Post.

The Post reports that before heading out that night, Keller allegedly sent a text to his girlfriend saying, “Goodnight we are going to burn down Shakespeare.” As the flames spread throughout the building, the teens left and went to Wendy’s for food and stopped for gas in Milford where they could see the fire from I-95, according to the Post.

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, the Post reports.

The teens are also suspects in connection to two arson fires in West Haven and possibly others in the state. WTNH News 8 reports that warrants are pending for arson fires that were set at an abandoned home on Richard’s Place on Feb. 9 and the old Bilco Water Factory building on Water Street the following week.

In the weeks after the Shakespeare fire, Stratford residents and officials held a vigil for a final farewell for the theater. The town also 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.

The task force is holding several upcoming workshops, including one for the general public on Wednesday, April 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Boothe Memorial Park.

Read the full story at the Connecticut Post here.

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