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Henderson County, Texas News

Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Arson Following Burglary in Henderson County

Christopher Thomas Powell

On January 15, 2025, a Henderson County jury found Christopher Thomas Powell guilty of the First-Degree Felony offense of Burglary of Habitation with Intent to Commit Another Felony. Powell was also found to have used a deadly weapon—fire—during the offense. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Daniel Cox and Assistant District Attorney Jessica Bargmann in the 392nd District Court.

The charges stemmed from a March 21, 2022, incident on Allen Ranch Road in Eustace. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Powell entered a home, stole items, and set the residence on fire. The homeowner had reported seeing a man with a gas can and a truck being loaded with items through her Ring Camera. Deputy Victor Parras of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene to find the home ablaze, with smoke visible from the eaves.

Former Fire Marshal Shane Renberg testified that the fire caused extensive damage and posed a significant risk of serious injury or death, classifying it as a deadly weapon. Investigators used video footage from the Ring Camera to identify Powell as one of the suspects. The footage showed Powell loading items into the truck and talking about starting the fire. Powell was later linked to the crime through DNA evidence collected from clothing matching those seen on the surveillance footage.

During the trial, jurors also heard evidence of Powell resisting efforts by investigators to collect a DNA sample. Powell’s resistance resulted in minor injuries to former Henderson County Investigator Gabriel Shue. The DNA evidence ultimately matched Powell, further tying him to the crime.

In the punishment phase, the jury reviewed Powell’s extensive criminal history, which included prior convictions for Resisting Arrest, Evading Arrest, Possession of Marijuana, and felony burglary. The jury also learned Powell had previously committed a felony at the same victim’s home. Based on this history and the severity of the crime, the jury sentenced Powell to 24 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a $10,000 fine.

District Judge Scott McKee pronounced the sentence on January 16, 2025.

"This was a potentially dangerous crime, and we are extremely thankful that Powell's actions didn’t lead to greater destruction or injury," said District Attorney Jenny Palmer. "The cooperation between law enforcement, firefighters, and prosecutors ensured justice for our community."

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