Image Credit: Facebook / Pam Taylor
Arson Fires

Nicola Valley church arsonist pleads guilty

Jul 26, 2021 | 2:58 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — On July 23, August Caprian pleaded guilty to three counts of arson and one count of break and enter with intent.

“(The incidents) stem from a series of church arsons that occurred in the Nicola Valley in January, 2019,” said Sgt. Josh Roda of Merritt RCMP.

Caprian received a 24-month conditional sentence order.

On January 11, 2019 the Murray Church was burned to the ground. The Crossroads and Shulus Catholic churches were also damaged that night.

The 143-year-old Murray Church was the oldest building in the Nicola Valley when it was lost.

The Murray Church is being rebuilt on the original site thanks to generous donations from the public. COVID-19 has prevented a proper grand opening for the new, old church.

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