Edward Leon, a 53-year-old resident of Fultonville, New York, has been indicted on charges related to a fatal arson that occurred in 2013. According to an announcement by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Leon is accused of maliciously using fire to destroy property resulting in death.
The indictment states that on May 2, 2013, Leon allegedly set fire to a rental property at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady. The blaze led to the deaths of David Terry and three children: Michael Terry, Layah Terry, and Donovan Duell. Another child was seriously injured as a result of the incident. The authorities emphasized that "the charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
Leon appeared for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz in Albany on July 31, 2025. A detention hearing is scheduled for August 6 at 3:30 p.m.
If convicted, Leon faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison with the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty. He could also be fined up to $250,000 and face up to five years of supervised release after serving his sentence. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on statutory requirements and other relevant factors.
The ATF is leading the investigation with support from several agencies including the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady Fire Department, New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control, New York State Police, Rotterdam Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, St. Johnsville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping, Richard D. Bellis, and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about this case to contact the ATF Albany Field Office at 518-431-4182.
