Statement from Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook

COLUMBUS – “We are most grateful for the hard work and dedication of the fire investigators from the Columbus Division of Police and other law enforcement agencies as an arrest is made in the tragic arson fire that claimed the lives of five young people last April. From the start, investigators were unrelenting in their commitment to solving this crime, and they engaged the entire community to assist them in their efforts. The arrest is an important first step in helping our community bring some closure to this tragedy.

“The hearts of everyone in the Ohio State family remain with the families and friends of the five students who died. May they take some comfort in the arrest and know that their children, brothers and sisters will be remembered for their contributions to the lives of everyone they touched.”