Seattle – A woman from Temple, Texas, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three felonies related to the arson of the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church (SLLC) in Snohomish County, Washington. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the plea from Natasha Marie O’Dell, who has been in custody since her arrest in Texas in August 2024. O’Dell admitted guilt to charges of arson, damage to religious property, and obstruction of persons in the free exercise of religious beliefs. Sentencing has been scheduled for August 7, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead.
The plea agreement and federal indictment connected O’Dell to the fire through cell phone, credit card records, and surveillance footage at the Maltby, Washington church on August 25, 2023. Records show O’Dell was visiting relatives in Woodinville, Washington at the time of the incident.
Despite the church's destruction, parts of its security system survived and captured O’Dell appearing with a gasoline container. The footage shows her pouring gasoline on the church's exterior walls and surrounding items before moving out of frame as the fire spread. The video ceased functioning due to the blaze.
Investigators linked O’Dell to nearby service station purchases, which included gasoline and lighters, and confirmed she used an Uber for transport to the church where the arson took place.
Within her plea agreement, O’Dell mentioned voicing anger towards churches and specifically SLLC to acquaintances, later indicating plans to set fire to a neighboring church.
The fire injured a firefighter who was treated at an emergency room. The blaze incurred damages exceeding $3.2 million, with the church now bearing additional expenses to rent a nearby middle school for services multiple times a week.
Damage to religious property and obstructing persons in free religious exercise are offenses carrying up to 40 years of imprisonment. Arson carries a mandatory minimum five-year sentence, with potential imprisonment of up to 20 years. The final sentence will be passed by Judge Whitehead, considering sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
