News Summary
A 23-year-old man from Shreveport has been convicted of simple arson after setting fire to his workplace. The incident, which occurred in December, involved the defendant burglarizing the premises and later igniting a fire, resulting in significant damage. The courtroom proceedings included testimonies from witnesses and experts, revealing the serious implications of the crime. Sentencing is scheduled, with the defendant facing up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Shreveport – Cross McCray, a 23-year-old Shreveport man, was found guilty of simple arson in Caddo District Court on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The jury rendered its verdict after less than two hours of deliberation, concluding that McCray was responsible for damaging his workplace by setting it on fire.
The incident dates back to December 20, 2022, when McCray burglarized his workplace located in the 4100 block of Curtis Lane. He stole a company vehicle and later returned to ignite the fire that would cause significant destruction to the building. Emergency services received the alarm around 3:15 a.m. The Shreveport fire crews acted promptly and managed to bring the fire under control by shortly after 4:30 a.m. Despite the fire’s severity, no injuries were reported during the incident.
In response to the fire, fourteen fire units were deployed to the scene, illustrating the scale of the damage and the effort required to contain it. The extensive damage to the business was a direct result of McCray’s actions, leading to a lengthy trial in which various testimonies were given.
Throughout the course of the trial, the jury heard from several witnesses, including the business manager, who detailed the impact of the fire on the operations of the business. Additionally, a fire investigator provided crucial evidence regarding how the fire was started, while a police fingerprint expert presented findings that indicated McCray’s involvement. In a contrasting perspective, McCray’s father also took the stand in defense of his son, attempting to provide a counter-narrative during the trial.
McCray’s upcoming sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2025. He faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years for his actions, coupled with a possible fine of $15,000. This case has raised concerns regarding safety and security within local businesses, echoing the broader implications of criminal activities on community welfare.
The events surrounding this case highlight ongoing issues related to property crime and the impacts of arson, not only on business owners but also on employees and the broader community. Simple arson, as defined under state law, involves the willful and malicious destruction of property by fire. The guilty verdict serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with such crimes.
As the community awaits McCray’s sentencing, the effects of this case will likely resonate well beyond the courtroom, prompting discussions on how to prevent similar incidents in the future. Residents and local business owners are keenly interested in the outcome, as it could have far-reaching ramifications for security and fire safety protocols in their area.
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Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Shreveport Man Guilty Sets Job on Fire
- Wikipedia: Arson
- The Advocate: Judge Vacates Sentence for Texas Lawyer in Arson Plea
- Google Search: Arson Law
- The Center Square: Louisiana Crime News
- Google Scholar: Arson Laws
- Shreveport Times: Caddo District Court Trials
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arson
- 710 KEEL: Shreveport Guilty 2021 Murder
- Google News: Shreveport Crime
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
