Daniel Murray, the student accused of setting the April 2005 fire that killed Michael Scrocca, was formally indicted last week by a Prince George’s County grand jury on three counts, including felony of arson and first-degree murder.
The indictment comes just a month after Murray confessed the murder to Prince George’s Police when he was arrested following an anonymous tip. Because the death occurred during the act of another felony, the state was able to prosecute Murray with first-degree murder.
In addition to the murder and arson charges, Murray is accused of recklessly endangering one of Scrocca’s roommates, Stephen Aarons, who suffered second-and third-degree burns in the fire and had to jump out of an upstairs window to escape smoke and flames.
Ramon Korionoff, communications director for the state’s attorney, said the details of the state’s case against Murray could not be discussed because of “tactical and strategic matters,” but he said for any indictment to be handed down, a grand jury must find sufficient evidence to go to trial.
A motion hearing is scheduled for today and a preliminary hearing is set for June 16.
