Apathetic Arsonist “Didn’t Have A Good Reason” For Burning Down Cobleskill Motel

A recent arson and burglary in Schoharie County has been turning heads for the nonsensical reasoning behind the crime.

The Arson

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20th in the Village of Cobleskill. At around 9:43 a.m., the Schoharie County Dispatch Center was flooded with calls concerning the Colonial Court Motel at 1009 East Main Street.

The reports were of a structure fire at the motel, and Cobleskill Fire Department, Middleburgh Fire Department, Cobleskill Police, New York State Police, and Schoharie County Sheriff's Department, alongside Cobleskill EMS raced to the scene.

The crews were able to contain the situation, and get a lead on a potential suspect.

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The Suspect

A few hours later, at around 3:30 p.m., a suspect was pinpointed at 131 Granite Drive in Cobleskill. Evidence tying him to the crime was later discovered at the site of the arson. He was taken to the Cobleskill Police Department to be questioned, and was charged shortly thereafter.

The suspect was Evan Rivenburg, and he is now facing two felonies: third-degree arson and second-degree burglary.

According to the Times Union, Cobleskill Police Chief Dean DeMartino stated that Rivenburg "didn't have a good reason" for setting the fire.

The motel itself had been vacant for many years, and was sometimes used by homeless people in the area as shelter. Rivenburg himself is homeless, and likely spent some time at the location before the fire.

What his reasoning could have been, we may never know. Rivenburg was arraigned and sent to Schoharie County Jail. Investigation into the arson is still ongoing.