In a Bucks County courtroom today, the Michigan man responsible for a targeted, cross-country arson attack that destroyed a Bensalem home was sentenced to decades in prison for a crime that a judge described as a “nightmare” for the victims. 

Harrison Jones, 22, of Rockford, Michigan, entered a plea of no contest to six counts of attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He pleaded guilty to the remaining charges, including arson and risking catastrophe, stemming from the Feb. 10, 2025, fire. 

Common Pleas Judge Matt Weintraub sentenced Jones to 20 to 40 years in state prison, specifically noting that the defendant would receive no credit for time served. In addition to the prison term, Jones was ordered to pay more than $500,000 in restitution to cover the destruction of the property. 

"This sentence is a testament to the tireless work of Bensalem detectives and Deputy District Attorney A.J. Garabedian, who ensured that a dangerous individual was held accountable for a truly terrifying act of violence,” said Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan. “While the defendant went to great lengths to plan this attack, the resilience of this family and the swift action of our law enforcement partners here in Pennsylvania and in Michigan proved stronger. Our office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods face the full force of the law." 

The case centered on a pre-dawn inferno in the 5200 block of Merganser Way. Driven by what investigators described as a "revenge-fueled" motive involving an online relationship, Jones drove over 700 miles from Michigan to the victims' residence. Upon arrival, he ignited an accelerant that caused an explosion, leveling the rear of the home and trapping the six occupants inside. 

While the residents were forced to jump from second-story windows to survive, the home was completely incinerated, and two family pets were killed in the blaze. 

During the emotional hearing, family members who survived the inferno testified about the terror of that night. One victim shared a harrowing account of the smoke being so thick she was blinded and convinced she was going to die. 

"I was ready to accept what fate had for me," the victim told the court. She credited her survival to the heroic actions of her father, who managed to get her and her brother to safety as the house was engulfed. 

The family also paid tribute to their two dogs, who perished in the blaze. The pets were the first to alert the family to danger, giving them the precious seconds needed to escape. 

In handing down the sentence, Judge Weintraub expressed his gratitude for the family’s survival, acknowledging the quick-thinking actions of everyone in the home that night. While the law addresses the physical and financial toll, the Judge noted the deeper scars left behind by Jones' actions. 

“Physical wounds heal, private property can be replaced,” Judge Weintraub said, “but pets can never be replaced, and trauma can never be erased.” 

During the sentencing, Judge Weintraub emphasized the calculated nature of the crime. He stated he was convinced that Jones’ actions were both planned and coordinated for several hours as he drove across several state lines to carry out the crime.  

Bensalem detectives utilized a combination of neighbor surveillance footage and Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) to track Jones’ 2021 Volkswagen Passat across state lines. When Michigan authorities apprehended him, Jones still bore visible burn marks on his arms, evidence of the explosion he had triggered days prior. 

This case was investigated by Bensalem Township Detectives, with help from the Kent County Michigan Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney A.J. Garabedian.  

Media Contact: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org.