Seattle – Natasha Marie O’Dell, a 38-year-old woman from Temple, Texas, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three felonies connected to the arson of Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church (SLLC) in Snohomish County. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. O’Dell, who was arrested in Texas in August 2024, faces charges of arson, damage to religious property, and obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs. Her sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead.
Court documents and the federal indictment revealed that O’Dell was implicated through cell phone and credit card records, along with surveillance footage of the fire that occurred on August 25, 2023, in Maltby, Washington. During that time, O’Dell was reportedly visiting relatives in Woodinville, Washington.
Although the church was destroyed, surviving security video footage depicted O’Dell handling a red gasoline container around the church. The video shows her pouring gasoline on the church's exterior walls and surrounding items. The fire eventually destroyed the video system.
The investigation connected O’Dell to credit card purchases for gasoline and lighters at a local service station. She utilized an Uber ride to reach the church for the arson act.
As part of the plea agreement, O’Dell admitted to expressing anger toward churches, specifically naming SLLC. She disclosed to an acquaintance her intention to set fire to a church in the vicinity.
One firefighter sustained injuries while battling the blaze and required emergency medical treatment.
The fire resulted in damages exceeding $3.2 million, forcing the church to rent a nearby middle school for services multiple times a week.
The crimes of damage to religious property and obstruction of persons in religious exercise carry penalties of up to 40 years in prison. Arson itself carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of twenty years. Judge Whitehead will determine the final sentence, factoring in relevant guidelines and legal considerations.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).