Pa. boy, 16, accused of lighting child on fire, held for trial

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A 16-year-old youth has been ordered to stand trial on charges that he set an 11-year-old boy on fire in west Philadelphia earlier this month.

The Philadelphia Daily News reports that the victim testified Friday that the older youth sprayed hand sanitizer on his 9-year-old friend, then later on him on July 8.

He said the defendant “was laughing” as he then pulled out a lighter, flipped it open, and set him on fire. He said he wasn’t wearing a shirt and his left side was on fire for seven to 10 seconds.

Common Pleas Judge James Murray Lynn called the case “horrendous” and held the defendant for trial on arson, aggravated assault and other charges. He also increased bail for the defendant from $100,000 to $500,000.