Johnson City Fatal Arson Indictment Handed Down

A Johnson City man is under formal indictment for arson murder, attempted murder, assault and aggravated criminal contempt for allegedly setting a fire on Floral Avenue that killed two little boys.

38 year old Dwight Burton was indicted by a Broome County Grand Jury November 24.

The October 19 fire left 4 year old Joshua and 3 year old Michael Maxwell dead and the boys’ mother and another woman critically burned.

The fire in the three story apartment house was reported in the early morning hours of October 19 while residents slept.

Officials had said that Burton was intending to kill 28 year old Jessica Baxter, who was staying with the children’s mother, 27 year old Erica Kurtz, and who had been in a troubled relationship with Burton in the past.

If convicted of murder and arson, Burton could face up to life in prison.