Tioga Downs arsonist sentenced to jail term

Boyd Fenton, the man responsible for intentionally setting a barn fire at Tioga Downs back on November 9, 2023, that caused the death of 30 harness racing horses, was sentenced today (April 19) in Owego, NY.

It took less than one hour of testimony and the judges final remarks in the Tioga County, NY Court House before Fenton, 33, of Athens, PA, was sentenced to a maximum of 15 years in jail. He could be eligible for parole in seven years. He was also sentenced to three years of post-release supervision.

He was sentenced on an arson charge in the third degree, a class C felony, plus assault in the second degree, a class D felony and 30 counts of injury to certain domesticated animals, all class E felonies. The charges are to run simultaneously, adding up to the 15-year sentence.

It was reported that dozens of people packed the courtroom in favor of the prosecution including horse owners and trainers.

Fenton was allowed to say a statement, but declined, with the charges being read directly after.

The five trainers who were stabled in Barn F where the fire was set, are Kevin Reynolds, Jr., Lee Morris, Edgar Clarke, Allison Kolesar and Daniel Harvey. All their horses and racing equipment were burned in the fire. It was also reported that trainer Edgar Clarke suffered facial and arm burns trying to save some of the horses.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink