Man to plead guilty for setting deadly Luzerne fire
A Searights man accused of setting a fire that killed a Luzerne Township man agreed Thursday to plead guilty to third-degree murder and must cooperate with prosecutors in the trials of any others arrested in the homicide. Dwayne Michael Hall, 27, talked with his attorney, Jack W. Connor, for about 20 minutes before agreeing to take the plea deal. Fayette County Assistant District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr. said Hall must plead generally, which means the judge will determine his sentence. He could face a maximum sentence of 20 to 40 years.
Hall is accused of setting the fire that killed Curtis Solomon Long on Dec. 23, 2000. Hall, according to police, sprayed Long’s 446 School St., Thompson 2, home with gasoline then set it on fire. Long died of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Police believe Hall was upset with Long’s girlfriend over a reported theft at the time.
Three other men were with Long when the fire was set, according to police.
Two of those men have provided statements, said police.
Last month, when District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon initially offered Hall the plea bargain, she said that police were looking into others allegedly involved in the homicide.
Hall will officially plead guilty before Judge Steve P. Leskinen next week. His sentencing probably will be delayed until he fulfills the cooperation condition of his plea.