PEORIA, Ill. – A Chillicothe man accused of throwing what was believed to be a molotov cocktail into the Peoria Planned Parenthood building can be found to stand trial in the case.
A federal judge Wednesday found probable cause for Tyler Massengill, 32 to be tried on a federal charge equivalent to Aggravated Arson. Massengill is accused of committing the crime January 15th, reportedly admitting to police he did it, after initially denying it.
No one was hurt, and while Peoria Fire estimated damage at $150,000, 25 News reports more than a million dollars in damage was committed.
Massengill — who has a lengthy arrest history — remains in the Peoria County jail for now, but will be back in court Monday on a custody hearing.
He told a judge today he is working with right-to-life groups in California to get legal representation, according to 25 News, but does not have an attorney yet.
