Shadwell Pleads Guilty But Mentally Ill

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Published on October 5 2015 10:33 am
Last Updated on October 5 2015 10:33 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham resident Justin Shadwell has pleaded guilty, but mentally ill after attempting to set a house on fire in Effingham earlier this year.

The 31-year-old Shadwell was spotted running from a house on South 5th Street in February as authorities were arriving to handle the house fire. He was originally arrested on a count of residential arson.

During a Friday court appearance, Shadwell agreed to plead guilty to a count of criminal damage to property over $10,000 and the arson count was dismissed. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said he agreed to the reduced count as it gives the sentencing judge more leeway in deciding the appropriate punishment. Had Shadwell been found guilty of the arson count, it would have meant mandatory prison time. Now, the judge can still sentence Shadwell to up to 10 years in prison but can also order treatment to help address Shadwell's mental illness. Psychiatrist Jerry Boyd had earlier found Shadwell fit for trial, and doesn't meet the strict definition of insanity, but is dealing with mental illness.

The fire began in the basement of the home, but most of the damage was limited to the roof as the fire went up through the chimney. No one was injured in the incident.

Shadwell is due to be sentenced on November 17.