MASON, TX – Last Friday authorities arrested Nicholas Jarret Miller in connection to the fire that destroyed the Mason County Courthouse.
Miller was detained driving a stolen vehicle after a lengthy car chase that ended near Waco the day after the fire. The suspect was eventually detained after authorities put out spikes.
The suspect live-streamed as he ran from authorities and his arrest. For more details check out: Suspected Mason Courthouse Arsonist Live Streams His Arrest
During an interview with a Texas Ranger, Miller confessed to being involved in the incident. Miller told law enforcement he purchased fuel from a gas station in Mason before going to the courthouse.
"I'm f--ked up. I don't know what to say or do," stated Miller. "If I'm truthful it's gonna cost me. If I lie, it's gonna cost me."
According to police, that same day Miller confessed to his uncle, Beverly Miller, that he started the courthouse fire. Miller was charged with arson, a first-degree felony.
In addition to the arson, Miller has been charged with two more crimes. The affidavit shows Miller was charged with arson after he attempted to burn down a home on Ranck Ave in Mason.
According to investigators, the suspect started a fire at the home after pouring diesel on the backroom of the residence.
Michael Jefferson was inside a bathroom inside the home when the fire started and was able to escape by the residence. Miller told authorities he started the fire in retaliation after he believed his children had been harmed.
The third charge in the affidavit is for burglary of a building.
Law enforcement charged Miller with entering Lowe's Grocery Store when it was not open to the public. Surveillance video showed a gray SUV pulling up to the front of the store. Investigators then observed a black male wearing dark jeans, a brown jacket, and a black ski mask.
The suspect is then observed breaking the glass in the front doors of the store and in possession of a handgun.
After entering the store the suspect can be seen taking cigarettes from the store and then attempting to steal ammunition.
A Lowe's Grocery Store employee recognized Miller after reviewing the surveillance video. A deputy with the Mason County Sheriff's office also recognized Miller after he was incarcerated at the McCulloch County Jail.
Miller is currently being held on a $1.8 million bond.
Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden was on the Texas Standard podcast yesterday. He said the cost of a complete restoration of the burned-out hull that was once a beautiful courthouse built between 1909 and 1910 will be in excess of $12 million. He promised he will get the building rebuilt and raise the money to do so. He has a head start. The building was insured for $3.4 million and the State of Texas last year granted Mason County about $4 million for a restoration project that had not begun when the courthouse burned. Bearden was adamant that his county will rebuild the courthouse to its historical specifications. He said only two pieces of furniture were recovered and his workers are still searching for the bell that was mounted in the clock tower that was destroyed. He believes it is underneath the rubble. The clock tower fell and was destroyed during the fire.
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