INDIANAPOLIS — A man facing 17 counts of arson blamed his actions on a mental illness Friday at a court hearing.
Deiare Gray, who is accused of setting multiple homes on fire on the southwest side of Indianapolis, told a judge that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis more than four years ago.
Newly released court documents show the arson fires began Sept. 17 and ended Dec. 16. The fires left homeowners, renters and property owners with damage ranging from $1,200 to $30,000.
While local and federal investigators gathered surveillance camera video and other evidence, a major development came in November. That's when a jduge approved the placement of a GPS tracking device on Gray's vehicle, which put him at the scene of several fires.
A Marion County judge reduced Gray's bond from $80,000 to $40,000 when Gray disclosed his mental illness. If he is released on bond, Gray will be under GPS monitoring and cannot leave Marion County.
