38-year-old Donald Denniston, who is facing felony murder and aggravated arson for allegedly intentionally setting the fire on Pine Street on Sunday had his bond set at $1.5 million.
According to a release from Knox County State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin, surveillance showed a man walking down Pine Street with a gas container, walking upon the porch of the residence, and then leaving. Shortly after, fie appears to start on the porch.
Galesburg police canvassed nearby gas stations and found apparent video footage of the same man purchasing the gas tank and gas at Circle K on Main Street. And from that video, Denniston was identified.
Felony murder is a charge of committing a felony in which a death occurs as a result and is punishable between 20 and 60 years in the Department of Corrections. The lesser charge is Aggravated Arson, which is still a Class X felony that could net someone a prison sentence of 6-30 years.
This makes the fourth homicide case in Knox County since the beginning of the year and six murder cases pending in the Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Karlin says in a statement that his office is prepared and working to obtain convictions and appropriate sentences in all six pending murder cases.
