Man Charged in 2013 Fatal Fire in New York
A federal jury has charged a man regarding a tragic fire in upstate New York that resulted in the deaths of his father and three children back in 2013. This comes nine years after authorities mentioned “significant evidence” suggesting his involvement in the arson.
Edward Leon, aged 52, faces serious charges for maliciously using fire to destroy property leading to death, a crime that could carry the death penalty. He pleaded not guilty during a federal court hearing in Albany on Thursday, just two days after the grand jury’s indictment. The records had not been sealed on that day.
The fire occurred in Schenectady on May 2, 2013, claiming the lives of David Terry and three young children: three-year-old Leia, two-year-old Michael, and 11-month-old Dona Van Duel. Another child, five-year-old Safir Terry, sustained severe injuries. Investigators reported that gasoline was used to ignite the fire.
It’s unclear why Leon was charged years after the incident. His attorney, Kevin Louisbrand, has not yet responded to inquiries. Questions sent to the Schenectady Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the ongoing investigation went unanswered.
In a prior case in 2016, Leon was given a ten-year prison sentence for providing false information to the grand jury about his actions and whereabouts on the night of the fire. He was released in 2022, according to federal prison records. Additionally, several other individuals, including the children’s mother, served time for lying under oath during the grand jury proceedings.
In federal court documents from 2016, prosecutors indicated there was substantial evidence of Leon’s involvement in the fire. Reportedly, Leon was upset over David Terry planning to marry Leon’s ex-girlfriend, sending threatening messages like “You’re not going to reach your wedding day” and “Die, Dave, Die.” Prosecutors stated that Leon was close to his home while planning to confront Terry but left when he noticed the fire, fearing blame and not contacting authorities.
Initially, another man, Robert Butler, was suspected of starting the fire but had the charges dropped in 2014 as further investigations were required, complicating witness statements. A 2014 report indicated that surveillance footage showed Leon’s van entering the area shortly before the fire started.
Leon, in a 2014 interview with a local newspaper, acknowledged returning home that night, saying he was trying to confront Terry. He claimed, “I haven’t been hiding. I’ve been caring for five children and four grandchildren.”
A court hearing to discuss Leon’s detention and possible bail is scheduled for next Wednesday.
