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Derrick Leonard Higdon was originally charged with first degree arson, attempted murder, cruelty to animals and breaking and entering. Arrested in a traffic stop by Mount Holly Police shortly after he allegedly set fire to the home of his former girlfriend on July 23rd, 2017, he could have been sentenced to 20 years in prison; but Higdon, 42 at the time of the incident and 49 now, got off easy.  Charges were either reduced or dropped and he was sentenced to just six to 17 months.

Higdon was married to another woman when he went on a rampage after the former girlfriend wouldn't see him again.  He went to her home, tried to break in, then set the house afire.  Two cats were killed in the fire; the ex-girlfriend said she hid in her car.  

Higdon, who has been living in South Carolina, defended himself in the trial which began in late April.  The jury returned its verdict on the reduced charges Monday afternoon (May 6th). 

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