The incident took place last year & and involved Molotov cocktails.
Greenbelt, Md (KM) A verdict has come down in a firebombing last year in Gaithersburg. A federal jury on Thursday convicted Darius Eric Wilder, 41, of charges related to the firebombing of his ex-girlfriend’s apartment. He’s expected to be sentenced later this year..
The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says Wilder’s ex-girlfriend had tried to break up with him, but he continued to contact the woman, calling and texting her repeatedly, with the last text sent on April 15th, 2017.
According to testimony at Wilder’s trial, Montgomery County fire and rescue personnel were dispatched to the victim’s apartment on April 15th, 2017 at 9:22 PMfor a fire. The blaze was on the balcony of the woman’s apartment. Fire fighters managed put out the flames.
Investigators with Montgomery County Fire and Explosives conducted an investigation, and located two incendiary bombs known as Molotov cocktails. The one found on the balcony destroyed the decking and some children’s bicycles. A second one landed on the ground below.
The wicks and liquids within the bottles were turned over to the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. The AFT National Laboratory Center conducted a DNA analysis of the bottles found Wilder was a possible contributor to the Molotov cocktails.
Montgomery County Police arrested Wilder on April 18th, 2018. Federal officials say officers tried to stop the Wilder’s vehicle, but he rammed a police cruiser and ran away. He was apprehended by police officers who pursued him.
The US Attorney’s Office says Wilder could receive a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a destructive device. He had a previous felony conviction and was prohibited from possession destructive devices, such as a Molotov cocktail.
In addition, federal prosecutors say Wilder could get between five and 20 years in prison for arson affecting interstate commerce, and a mandatory minimum of 30 years to life for use and carry of a destructive device during an in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence.
US District Judge George Hazel has scheduled sentencing for December 6th, 2018 at 10:00 AM.
By Kevin McManus