Woman sentenced to 6 years in prison for Maltby church arson

Natasha M. O’Dell, a visitor from Texas, received a six-year prison sentence for arson after burning down the Laestadian church in Maltby, Washington. A federal judge also mandated three years of supervised release following her imprisonment. O'Dell, under the influence of methamphetamine, confessed to planning the fire and purchased lighters and gasoline before executing her plan in August 2023. Surveillance cameras captured her arrival and departure from the church shortly after the fire was ignited.

The church, which had been a local fixture for four decades, has since been demolished, with services relocated to Hidden River Middle School. O'Dell had previously lived in the area but was visiting relatives at the time of the incident. The land where the church stood was sold to a religious Hindu nonprofit, which aims to build a 15,000-square-foot temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Local authorities have noted the significant community impact of both the fire and the subsequent development plans.