Patrick Martin Scahill, Arson, Kansas 2013

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Table of Contents

Defendant Sentenced to 30 Years for Arson that Killed Kansas State Researcher

TOPEKA – Patrick Martin Scahill, 20, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for setting a fire that killed a woman in an apartment complex in Manhattan, Kan. Scahill’s accomplice, Virginia Amanda Griese, 20, was sentenced to 20 years.

The fire, which occurred on Feb. 6, 2013, at the Lee Crest Apartments, killed Kansas State researcher Vasanta Pallem. Scahill admitted to starting the fire in an effort to create a diversion that would prevent police from finding evidence in his residence of an armed robbery and other crimes. Pallem died from breathing fumes during the fire, with an autopsy showing she had a carbon monoxide saturation of over 50 percent.

The investigation began when Scahill’s associates, Frank Joseph Hanson and Dennis James Denzien, conspired to commit a robbery at Dara’s Fast Lane, a convenience store in Manhattan. Denzien was the driver, and Hanson entered the store brandishing a .22 caliber pistol owned by Scahill.

After police noticed a strong odor of marijuana from Scahill’s residence, they told him and the others they were going to seek a warrant to search the residence. Scahill, Denzien, and Hanson left the residence while police were working to obtain a warrant. Meeting together later, Scahill, Denzien, Hanson, and Griese discussed ways to divert the attention of law enforcement officers long enough for Scahill to re-enter the residence and remove incriminating evidence.

The group decided to set a fire at the Lee Crest Apartments, a three-level, 12-unit apartment complex within sight of Scahill’s apartment. Scahill entered the building, emptied the contents of a five-gallon gas can in the lower level hallway, set the fire, and left the building. The fire forced tenants out of their apartments through windows and out of balconies. Pallem was unable to escape the building and died from breathing fumes.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom called the case a ‘tragic story’ and said ‘arson is a violent crime with often devastating results.’ ATF Special Agent in Charge Marino F. Vidoli said ‘ATF is proud to have worked with our state and local partners to bring these defendants to justice.’