The arsonist who burned at least four Seattle properties, including a lower Queen Anne lumber yard last November, pleaded guilty Monday afternoon.
Matthew Daniel Hooper, 39, pleaded guilty to one arson count, listing all charged offenses, and will be sentenced to 89 months in custody with 18 months of community custody and a mental health investigation.
Police said they linked him to crime scenes through DNA, and charging documents say a charcoal lighter fluid bottle or evidence of the use of lighter fluid was found at three of the fires.
When he was arrested, Hooper was homeless and had at least 23 previous arrests.
The lumber yard fire happened Saturday, Nov. 10 in the 300 block of West Ewing Street. The multiple-alarm fire at Gascoigne Lumber spanned a city block, destroyed five buildings and caused explosions.
Read additional details about Hooper and his fires here. Video from the day of Hooper's arrest is below.
Hooper's sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. November 15.
More news from KIRO 7
- Suspect stabbed in attempted home invasion
- Officials investigating after man suspected of sexual assault dies after brief police pursuit
- Obese cat named Cinderblock breaks internet with reaction to underwater treadmill
- Deteriorating steel on Aurora Bridge forces extended lane closure
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
Cox Media Group
