1. News
 / Modified jan 9, 2025 1:10 p.m.

Douglas man receives 36 years for hate crimes, burning churches

Eric Ridenour, convicted of crimes in the burning of two churches in a historic district in Douglas, Arizona, received a sentence of 36 years in prison.
by Danyelle Khmara

Saint Stephen's Demolished The former Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Douglas, AZ. The church was one of two prey to fire damage due to suspected arson. August 31, 2023. Photo by Summer Hom, AZPM News.

A U.S. District judge in Tucson sentenced 58-year-old Eric Ridenour earlier this week.

Ridenour was convicted of six arson and hate crimes counts for burning two Douglas churches in May 2023 because they included women and LGBTQ parishioners in church leadership roles.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church were located on Church Square, which is believed to be the only intersection in the nation containing churches from four different denominations, including a Southern Baptist and a Methodist church.

“Destruction of religious institutions is abhorrent to our Constitution,” said United States Attorney Gary Restaino in a statement. “I add my voice to the prayers for healing in the Douglas community.”

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