Seattle – A woman from Temple, Texas, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for three felonies related to the arson of Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County, Washington. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced that Natasha Marie Odell, 38, has been in custody since her arrest in Texas in August 2024 and is currently detained at the Snohomish County Jail. She will be transferred to federal custody and is scheduled for arraignment on December 16, 2024.
Court records and the federal indictment link Odell to the fire that destroyed the Maltby, Washington church on August 25, 2023. Evidence includes cell phone records, credit card transactions, and surveillance video footage. Travel records show Odell was visiting relatives in Woodinville, Washington during this period.
The security system's video surveillance captured a woman resembling Odell carrying a container typically used for gasoline around the church premises. The video shows her pouring gasoline on the exterior walls and surrounding items before moving out of camera range as flames began to spread. The video system eventually ceased functioning due to the fire.
Investigators connected Odell to purchases made with her credit card at a local service station where she bought over a gallon of gasoline and lighters.
The fire caused more than $2.5 million in damage to the church.
Odell faces charges of Damage to Religious Property, Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs, and Use of Fire to commit another Felony Offense.
The penalties for Damage to Religious Property and Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs can reach up to 40 years in prison. The charge of Use of Fire to commit another Felony Offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment.
It is important to note that these charges are allegations at this stage; Odell is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The investigation is being conducted by the Snohomish County Fire Marshall’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case.