Boy Pleads Guilty To Arson, Attempted Murder Charges Woman, 7 Children Managed To Escape Early Morning Fire

Fri., Aug. 25, 2000

By Kevin Blocker kevinb@spokesman.com

A Spokane juvenile has pleaded guilty to setting a home on fire and trying to kill its occupants.

Robert Provus, 15, pleaded guilty to first-degree arson and first-degree attempted murder charges Tuesday.

He was sentenced to a maximum-security juvenile holding facility until he turns 21.

A 13-year-old in the case had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy, and he was given a 7-month sentence for his part in the crime.

Prosecutors said the boy knew the fire was going to be set but was not present when it started.

Michael Claassen, 16, also charged with playing a role in the fire, will undergo a competency hearing before being tried.

On May 9 at 3 a.m., the boys tried to set fire to Vickie Bryant’s home on the 1200 block of East 12th Avenue.

Bryant and her seven children managed to get out unharmed. An investigation revealed the boys used five gallons of gasoline to fuel the blaze and tried to barricade the door.

Provus was close to Bryant and her family, frequently staying the night. Psychologist Clay Jorgensen testified that Provus has “above-average” intelligence, but also has abused drugs and alcohol, which may have been a factor in the crime.

After the fire, investigators said Provus and Claassen spray-painted threats on the side of the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. The two then stole a car from an apartment complex and drove to Bryant’s house to survey their work, while firetrucks were still on the scene.

They were arrested the same day by Spokane police after a hit-and-run accident in the car. Prosecutors decided not to charge the boys as adults.

“I’m satisfied there is a reasonable likelihood to rehabilitation in the juvenile system,” Spokane County Superior Court Judge Neal Rielly said.

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