On June 23, 2026, following a two (2) day trial before the Honorable Christylee L. Peck, a Cumberland County jury convicted Daquain J. Brown (age 31) of Aggravated Arson, Arson – Endangering Persons, Arson – Endangering Property, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Judge Peck additionally found Brown guilty of Criminal Mischief. The convictions are a result of an October 17, 2025, incident where Brown, an inmate at SCI Camp Hill, ignited various items in his cell including bedding by tampering with an electrical outlet. The fire caused the housing unit to fill with smoke and triggered an evacuation of approximately fifty (50) inmates in a restrictive housing unit. Fortunately, due to the efforts of SCI staff, everyone was evacuated quickly and safely.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 11, 2026. The Commonwealth is seeking the imposition of a ten (10) year mandatory minimum sentence as Brown has a prior conviction for a crime of violence.

This case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue and was investigated by Trooper Amy Kocher-Fry of the Pennsylvania State Police in Carlisle. Special thanks to Trooper Cody Reed of the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshalls Unit and Director of Victim Services Adrianne Vaughn.