Man gets 4 to 8 years in prison for Homestead fire

However, Special Agent Kevin Kauffmann of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives previously said McDonald told investigators that he doused a couch with two cans of lighter fluid — though he didn’t remember setting the fire.

“I think Mr. McDonald is a sincere person. But this conduct did result in a very, very traumatic harm to the community,” Judge Mariani said, noting that he received two letters from the man from prison. “You’re lucky no human died.”

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Fleming said two residents in McDonald’s building suffered serious injury — including smoke inhalation and a fractured foot — and that one woman had to listen as her cat of 15 years, Sabrina, yowled but could not be rescued.

The block where the fire occurred remains vacant.

“Homestead is a community that struggles to develop, so this is a devastating loss to them, too,” Ms. Fleming said. “The commonwealth doesn’t dispute the defendant is mentally ill. [But] this crime was of such a magnitude, he’s shown himself to be a danger to the community.”

Judge Mariani also sentenced McDonald to serve a consecutive term of 20 months for another arson count, but because he has credit for 20 months in the Allegheny County Jail, his net sentence is four to eight years to be followed by five years probation. He also must pay $115,000 in restitution.