Allen Shaw and Randy Sander: Elderly owner and friend who set home afire after tenants refused to leave charged with woman's murder
IDABEL, OKLAHOMA: According to police, an elderly homeowner from Oklahoma and his friend are charged with murder after allegedly setting a house on fire after the residents refused to vacate. Allen Shaw, 89, and Randy Sander, 68, were each charged with second-degree murder and second-degree arson.
The incident took place on March 2 as a result of a civil dispute over alleged two-year rent arrears, according to the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office, as per KTBS. As per reports, officers were first summoned to Shaw's property in Idabel, a small town in southeastern Oklahoma, on Feb. 20.
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What happened between Allen and the couple?
The 89-year-old homeowner Allen Shah informed the McCurtain County sheriff's officers that the two residents had not made rent payments in the last two years and that he wanted them to vacate the property. Meanwhile, the couple told the police that they were "concerned because he had been out there several times." Authorities advised Shaw and the couple about the eviction protocol after determining that no laws had been violated at the time, reports Fox News.
Danette Stowe, 43, and her two dogs found dead
Shaw reportedly returned to the house with his friend Sander a week later, on March 2, and the two set it ablaze. At one point, both occupants of the house were outside, but the female went back inside to attempt to save her pets, said police. Danette Stowe, 43, and her two dogs were discovered dead inside the house after firefighters extinguished the fire. Her husband was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment after suffering injuries. As per reports, Shaw and Sander were both arrested later that day at a separate Idabel residence. They are both being held on $500,000 bonds at the McCurtain County Jail.
What does Oklahoma law say?
A person will be subject to severe penalties for second-degree murder crimes under Oklahoma law. This involves a mandatory minimum prison term of ten years. But it's essential to keep in mind that this is the bare minimum. If the judge decides the individual's actions were severe enough to warrant it, they could still be sentenced to life in prison, as per Kania Law Office.
According to Oklahoma law, destroying or damaging an uninhabited structure or its contents with fire or explosion constitutes arson in the second degree. The presence of humans inside the burning building is the main difference between first-degree and second-degree arson. Individuals might face charges of second-degree arson if there are no individuals present inside. If a person is actually convicted of second-degree arson, he could face a fine of up to $20,000 and a maximum 25-year sentence in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
