LEBANON, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire man arrested in a double stabbing has also been charged in a fire that destroyed a church and another blaze, authorities said.
Authorities said the Dec. 28 fire at the First Baptist Church was determined to be suspicious. They were looking for 27-year-old Anthony Boisvert, of Lebanon.
On New Year’s Day, they responded to a call about two stabbings at a Lebanon condominium complex. The victims, a 52-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries. They identified Boisvert as their attacker. Police found Boisvert about an hour later.
He’s accused of two counts of first-degree assault and three counts of arson.
Boisvert, who is in jail, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday; it’s not immediately known if he has a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.
The arrest came hours after church members gathered for their first service since the fire. They met a block away at the Masonic Hall, which is offering space for as long as they need it. Other churches also have opened their doors to the congregation.
“It was just a good feeling in church, even though we’re not in our church but it was nice,” church member Dennis Merrihew told WMUR-TV.
The church’s bell was removed Saturday and will be stored until members decide what do with it when they rebuild.
The loss of a church to fire is familiar in the community. More than 20 years ago, the Methodist church across the street burned down and has since been rebuilt. Its old bell stands outside the building.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.