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Missouri Arson May Be
Hate Crime

Missouri Arson May Be
Hate Crime

Evidence found at the site of a devastating arson fire in southwest Missouri suggests the crime may have been motivated by hate.

Evidence found at the site of a devastating arson fire in southwest Missouri suggests the crime may have been motivated by hate. Investigators found antigay graffiti painted at the scene of a fire that tore through a strip mall in Stockton on Wednesday night, destroying three businesses and one empty store.

The owner of all three businesses, Dan Thornton, is openly gay. Dina R. Larson, 39, and her son, Jacob T. Smith, 18, both of Stockton, were charged Thursday with counts including second-degree burglary and second-degree arson. A third person in custody is not yet charged.

Authorities say that Smith and Larson admitted that they broke into stores at the mall, stole items, and set the fire. Some of the stolen items were recovered at their home.

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