Executive Summary
- Harrison Jones sentenced to 20-40 years in prison for arson and attempted homicide.
- Defendant drove from Michigan to Pennsylvania to target a romantic rival’s home.
- Fire resulted in the death of two family dogs and severe injuries to the home’s occupants.
- Judge Weintraub ordered over $554,000 in restitution to the victims’ insurance company.
BENSALEM, Pa. – Harrison Jones, 22, of Rockford, Michigan, was sentenced to 20 to 40 years in state prison on Thursday by a Bucks County Common Pleas Court judge for setting fire to a Bensalem residence in a targeted attack motivated by romantic jealousy.
Judge Matt Weintraub handed down the sentence after Jones entered a plea of no contest to six counts of attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. According to court records, Jones also entered guilty pleas to a series of additional felony and misdemeanor charges connected to the February 10 incident. In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Jones to pay $554,810 in restitution to the victims’ insurance company and mandated that he have no contact with the affected family.
Prosecutors detailed that Jones drove approximately 700 miles from Michigan to Pennsylvania with the specific intent of incinerating the home on the 5200 block of Merganser Way. Investigators alleged the act was driven by jealousy regarding his ex-girlfriend’s relationship with a man living at the residence. Jones had reportedly offered to drive the woman to Pennsylvania for a visit, using the trip to facilitate the attack.
During the sentencing hearing, the court heard testimony regarding the severity of the fire. While the family members inside managed to escape, they suffered burns and smoke inhalation. Andrew Zalenski required a medically induced coma to treat severe lung damage, according to medical reports cited in court. The fire claimed the lives of two family dogs, Trey and Jet, who were trapped on the second floor, and the home was rendered uninhabitable.
Bensalem police utilized surveillance footage, license plate reading technology, and cellphone records to identify Jones as the perpetrator. Authorities stated that Jones broke into the home, set fire to a couch in the living room, and immediately fled back to Michigan. He was taken into custody three days later by sheriffs in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after evidence linking him to the arson was discovered at his residence.
Judicial Outcome and Sentencing Severity
The sentencing of Harrison Jones brings a final legal resolution to a case marked by premeditation and interstate criminal activity. By imposing a sentence of 20 to 40 years, the court has signaled the gravity of the attempted homicide charges and the reckless endangerment of multiple lives. The plea agreement, combining no-contest and guilty pleas, expedited the judicial process, securing a conviction and significant restitution without a trial. This outcome emphasizes the severe legal consequences for violent retribution and the effective coordination between local and out-of-state law enforcement agencies.
