The man accused of arson and animal torture in the Rock Island Auction Barn fire made an appearance in court this afternoon.
Matthew Wooddell, 21 of East Moline, has been charged with arson, a class 2 felony, criminal damage to property, a class 2 felony, and animal torture, a class 3 felony. The animal torture charges stem from the death of a cow during the fire, according to court documents.
The hearing was regarding the state’s petition to deny Wooddell’s pretrial release. According to court documents, the grounds for denying the petition include claiming that the defendant has been charged with a forcible felony and that his release “poses a real and present threat to the safety of any person or persons or the community,” as well as felony violations of the Human Care for Animals Act.
Supporters of Wooddell were in the courtroom during the hearing and spoke with his attorney afterward. The hearing was continued to Friday, March 8. Wooddell remains in the Rock Island County Jail on no bond.
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