Arsonist of Rockford high rise and Wired Cafe sentenced

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — David Marshall, 47, pled guilty and was sentenced to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for committing arson at Park Terrace High Rise and Wired Cafe.

Marshall started a blaze in the cafe on October 5, 2024, and another on October 17, 2024, at the apartment complex.

Fire investigators determined the fire originated in a first-floor office on the south side of the high rise in October. Investigators also received security footage from Rockford Public Housing Authority that showed a black male, wearing a tan jacket and Green Bay Packers hat, breaking into the entrance and the office.

He proceeded to leave the scene, according to court records.

After further investigation, Police determined Marshall was the suspect. Authorities found Marshall walking downtown a couple of hours after the fire at the high rise and took him into custody.

Fire investigators and an Illinois State Fire Marshall Special Agent interviewed Marshall, where he confessed to starting the fire at the high-rise on October 17th and Wired Cafe on October 7th.

One firefighter and four residents were hurt during the fire early Thursday morning.

RFD Chief Michele Pankow said the firefighter and residents who were hurt sustained minor injuries and were sent to the hospital.

Other residents on higher floors in the building said they were stuck at first, but were eventually able to get down. The Fire Department said the building housed approximately 150 residents who were evacuated and rehoused.