Accused arsonist Anthony Baye now charged with more crimes

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A grand jury has indicted alleged arsonist Anthony Baye , just eight days after the District Attorney's office threw out most of the previous charges . The new indictments have accused Baye of even more crimes.

The 42-count indictment was handed down by a Hampshire County Grand Jury which has been hearing testimony and reviewing exhibits over the last two weeks.

The indictment comes two months after the state's highest court threw out Baye's recorded confession , and eight days after the District Attorney launched a new investigation.

Baye is now accused of setting 26 fires; 15 occurring two days after Christmas in 2009 and 11 others dating back to 2007 and November of 2009. Baye faces more than 40 charges, including murder and armed burglary.

Those who live in the Northampton's Third Ward, where most of the fires happened, say it was a night that they will never forget.

“Our neighbors were sitting in our living room wondering whether their house was going to burn down,” Anne Strowe of Northampton said. “Yes, if he did it, then I'm glad the grand jury has managed to come up with another indictment.”

Six of the charges Baye faces carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Baye is scheduled to be arraigned in Hampshire Superior Court on Thursday at 2:00 P.M.