Northampton Arson Update- Court Documents Allege Suspect Sought to Establish Alibi By Text Messaging

Police serving a search warrant on 25 year old Northampton resident Andrew Baye earlier this month found five text messages sent from Baye's iPhone sent in a 10-minute span in an effort to fabricate an alibi on the night of the December 27th 2009 arson spree in the Western Massachusetts town. The fires allegedly set by Baye killed Paul Yeskie Sr, 81, and Paul Yeskie Jr, 39, just two days after Christmas.

Baye entered a 'not guilty' plea to two counts of murder and single counts of armed burglary and arson of a dwelling. According to affidavits, Baye was stopped twice by police in the vicinity of the fires in the early morning hours of December 27th. Northampton Police noted that Baye had a lighter in his pocket and was soaking wet (it had been raining that night) when he was taken into custody. A detective for the Northampton police said Baye appeared nervous and said he was visiting his girlfriend before changing his story under further questioning.

2 Killed in Deadly Post-Christmas Arson Spree in Western Massachusetts

(Jessica Hill/AP)

An arsonist in Northampton, MA set at least nine seperate fires in the early morning hours of December 27th 2009. Two people identified as Paul Yeskie Senior, 81, and his son Paul Yeskie Junoir, 39, were killed when their Fair Street residence was among the structures burned. The Hampshire County DA and state medical examiner are ruling the deaths a homicide.

The State Fire Marshall announced a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist while the Northampton Rotary Club is raising funds to match the state's reward money. A fund for those affected by the fires has also been set up at hampshirecountycares.com