Man charged with arson of Mountain Grove church

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Updated 6/16/23:

Hopkins confessed to a driver that he had burned a church, leading to his arrest by the Mountain Grove police.

During the investigation, a green bank bag with the words “Southside Church” and a new hardcover English Standard Version Bible were found in his possession.

Additionally, Hopkins was wearing a T-shirt labeled “Southside Young Group” with a Bible verse on the back, which was made by a victim from the church. Suspicion of burglary arose when broken windows, bank information, and receipts were discovered at the church.

On Sunday, an anonymous caller reported a man who claimed to have burned a church. Police located Hopkins and questioned him, during which he admitted to burglarizing a business and stealing supplies.

He later declined a ride from the caller, who believed he was acting strangely. The police had previously encountered Hopkins earlier on the day of the fire when he was asked to leave a porch where he appeared intoxicated.

The timeline suggests that Hopkins was seen near the Southside Baptist Church shortly before the fire occurred.

Original Story:

A South Carolina man has been charged with first-degree arson concerning the Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove, authorities said.

James Lee Hopkins III, born in 1994, is facing charges of arson, first degree, and two counts of burglary, second degree, after a mysterious church fire Saturday evening.

A warrant for Hopkins’ arrest was issued out of Wright County Monday, with a $50,000 cash bond.

Hopkins was arrested on Monday, brought before the court and informed of the felony charges.

He informed the court that since he is homeless and does not have ties to the area, he is unable to post bond.

The court did not amend his bond and is seeking incarceration due to the church being a total loss and the endangerment of the lives of responding parties, including Houston and Cabool firefighters.

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately nine hours before the blaze was extinguished.

A bond hearing will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, June 26.