Trial date, preliminary hearing set for Cairo arson suspects

CAIRO, Ill. -- A trial date has been set for one man charged in connection with arsons in and near Cairo while the other awaits a preliminary hearing.

Alexander County authorities have accused Richard Scott Pitcher, 18, of Cairo, and David Patrick, 22, of Arlington, Ky., of setting January fires on 33rd Street in Cairo and others near the Mississippi River levee. Both face two counts of arson.

Pitcher's trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 18 at the Alexander County courthouse. Patrick's preliminary hearing will be Wednesday.

Both men are former members of Cairo's auxiliary fire department, which is separate from the city's fire department.

Pertinent address:

2000 Washington Ave., Cairo, IL