<img src=" http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/new.gif" border=0> Suspect in Lamar church arson pleads not guilty

June 08, 2009 03:47 pm

— John Manco waived his arraignment today in Barton County Circuit Court and pleaded not guilty to charges that include the torching of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lamar.
Manco, 19, is charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, and one count each of second-degree arson and tampering with a motor vehicle.
The charges are in connection with an alleged spree that included a break-in and arson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a break-in at a vacant home near the church, and the theft of a stereo from a nearby car.
A probable-cause affidavit alleges that Manco confessed to the crimes after he was arrested in March.