Ice rink arsonists appear in court

Litchfield, Conn. (WTNH) - Two men faced a judge on arson charges, in connection with two fires that took place in Norfolk over the weekend.

Matthew Carey of Torrington was in handcuffs on Monday. So was Kyle Majewski who grew up in Connecticut, but now lives in Massachusetts. They were taken into custody after they called police themselves.

The pair called 911 after they crashed their car early Sunday morning in Norfolk, but that was just a mile away from where a fire was raging.

When police searched their car, they found evidence which they said links the two to the fire. The blaze destroyed the Norfolk Curling Club, where they've played matches called Bonspiels since 1956.

Additionally, the two 19 year olds were charged with starting another fire, earlier Saturday night. That fire damaged an unoccupied house. Both are charged with arson, burglary, and criminal mischief.

Court papers say both have drug issues. The judge set bail for Majewski of Massachusetts at $230,000.
 
Carey got a slightly lower bond of $205,000. He's an army reservist who recently served in Germany. He had plenty of family members in court, but they didn't want to talk to News 8. Lawyers for both men had the same message: don't rush to judge these young men.

"As the case unfolds, we'll be able to have a better handle on what actually happened," said William Conti, defense attorney. "They are charged with a crime. Obviously these are allegations and they stand innocent before the court."

The attorneys did not have much to say in the courtroom, but seemed unhappy with the bail recommendation.

Both will be back in court in Litchfield on January 4th.