Somers Point, NJ, Man Heads to Prison in Arson Case
A Somers Point man is headed to prison in connection with an arson case from more than three years ago.
Deshaun Howard Sentenced
On Thursday, 24-year-old Deshaun Howard was sentenced to three years behind bars after pleading guilty to a charge of second-degree aggravated arson.
Arson in Somers Point
This case stems from a house fire on the 100 block of Dawes Avenue during the pre-dawn hours of March 23rd, 2022.
First responders arrived at the victim's home and found their back deck engulfed in flames and another part of the house on fire as well.
Three people were home at the time and they all escaped without injury.
An investigation led the police to charge Howard and Faith Tompkins. Tompkins' matter is still pending in court.
"Severe mental health issues"
At a detention hearing after being arrested, Howard's attorney reportedly said that his client was experiencing "severe mental health issues." He was undergoing psychosis and thought the government was trying to kill him, his attorney told the judge.
Arson Victim Speaks
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office says the victim spoke at the sentencing hearing and told the court of the emotional and mental impact on their family, and the fear that they felt when they woke up to their house on fire with their children and pets inside.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Howard will be required to serve at least 85% of his term, or about 2 1/2 years. Once out, he will be under three years of parole.
The Somers Point Police Department conducted this investigation with assistance from the Scullville Fire Company.
The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
