Two men accused of Cairo arsons likely to stand trial in February

CAIRO, Ill. -- Two men accused of burning buildings in Cairo will likely stand trial in February.

Richard Scott Pitcher, 18, of Cairo, and David Patrick, 22, of Arlington, Ky., are both charged with two counts of arson. Patrick's attorney represented him in Alexander County Circuit Court Wednesday for pretrial motions. Pitcher was set to have pretrial motions Wednesday too, but because of an emergency in his attorney's family, he did not appear. Both men's cases were continued to Jan. 9. A February start date for both of their trials is anticipated, Alexander County Circuit Court Judge Charles Cavaness said.

Court documents allege the men are responsible for fires on 33rd Street in Cairo and others near the Mississippi River levee in January.

Pertinent address:

2000 Washington Ave., Cairo, IL