Man accused in fatal arson held without bond


YOUNGSTOWN — The 18-year-old man accused of using an accelerant to start a house fire that killed two women and four children is being held in jail without bond.

Michael A. Davis of 817 Bennington Ave. was arraigned today in municipal court on six counts of aggravated murder and 11 counts of aggravated arson. The extra five arson counts apply to five people who made it out of the house at 1645 Stewart Ave. early Wednesday morning.

City Prosecutor Jay Macejko told Municipal Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. that no bail would ensure Davis’ safety and the safety of the community. Davis will be back in court Feb. 1 for a preliminary hearing if the case is not presented to a Mahoning County grand jury before then.

Macejko said there is “certainly the possibility” that the death penalty would apply, but explained that the decision is up to the county prosecutor.

Carol Crawford, 46, her daughter Jennifer R. Crawford, 23, and Jennifer’s four children, Raneija, 8, Jeannine, 5, Aleisha, 3, and Brandon, 2, perished in the fire.

Macejko said more charges could be filed because six of the 33 firefighters who were at the scene were injured. Also, he said obstruction of justice charges are being considered for those who may have impeded the investigation. A source has told The Vindicator that a dispute over a stolen cell phone was the motive for the crime.

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