NORTH TONAWANDA — A 39-year-old North Tonawanda man who police say admitted to burning down his neighbor’s home is being held in the Niagara County Jail on $50,000 bail.
Matthew Jurado faces charges of second-degree arson after the home of his neighbor Ken Walker was burned down Wednesday afternoon. Walker had received a racially-tinged threatening letter two days prior to his home being set on fire.
Jurado reportedly told police he put a bottle of lighter fluid on Walker’s couch and lit it while Walker and his wife were both out of the house. The couple’s kids were also not home, but two family cats perished in the blaze.
Jurado denies writing the threatening letter but told police he knows who did. That incident remains under investigation.
Aside from jailing Jurado until he pays the bail or until his next court appearance on Aug. 11, the judge issued an order of protection for the Walkers.
A GoFundMe set up to help Walker has raised over $100,000 in under 48 hours. Additionally, The Gratwick Hose Volunteer Fire Company — where Walker volunteers — will collect donations for Walker’s family from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
