Lamar Catholic Church arson suspect bound over for trial

John Franklin Manco, Lamar, was bound over for trial Tuesday after waiving his preliminary hearing in Barton County Circuit Court on two charges of burglary and single counts of arson and tampering in connection with the Feb. 6 burning of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lamar:

But his father, Joe Manco, said after the proceeding Tuesday that he believes his son is protecting other accomplices who may have played a part in the break-in.

Joe Manco said his son is “keeping his mouth shut” about the incident.

“My son’s a big boy. He’s a stand-up guy,” he said, acknowledging that he has no proof of such involvement other than his son’s word. “He knows he’s going to prison, but he’s not going to prison as a snitch.”

While the elder Manco alleges that law enforcement have not have followed up on additional perpetrators, Lamar police Chief Ronald Hager reiterated Tuesday that Manco is the sole suspect in the Feb. 8 arson that destroyed the 104-year-old church.