David Lopez Jackson is in jail, facing two counts of second-degree arson in the church fires at Ebenezer and New Life MB Church (recently renamed United Believers in Christ Ministries).
He is held on a $75,000 cash only bond. Jackson was taken into custody Thursday night. Investigators say Jackson is from the St. Louis City/Jennings area.
St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said Jackson is the only suspect in all of the arsons; however, their investigation is ongoing.
Lab analyses confirmed gasoline was used as an accelerant in the two arsons Jackson is accused of setting.
“Forensic evidence discovered links the defendant to the scene of the fire at Ebenezer Lutheran Church,” Dotson told reporters. “Surveillance footage shows the defendant’s car at the scene of the fire at New Life Missionary Baptist Church. The defendant has confirmed that the car belongs to him and that he has exclusive use of it.”
Dotson added a canister with gasoline and a thermos container that smelled like gasoline were found inside Jackson’s car.
Based on their probe thus far, law enforcement officials said there appears to be no indication of a hate crime or a sign of any one particular Christian denomination or ethnic group was targeted in the arsons.
The joint priority investigation includes bomb and arson units in St. Louis City and St. Louis County, and federal investigators from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives.
At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Mayor Slay thanked all who are working to solve the case, including tips from the public.
Clergy members present thanked investigators for their work and noted the arsons brought the St. Louis community as well as the St. Louis religious community together.
