SHREVEPORT, La. — A former employee who broke into his workplace, stole a vehicle, and returned to set the building on fire has been found guilty of simple arson in Caddo District Court.
Cross McCray, 23, was convicted on Thursday, May 8, 2025, following a swift two-hour deliberation by a six-man, six-woman jury in the courtroom of District Judge Chris Victory.
The crime dates back to December 20, 2022, when McCray burglarized the business in the 4100 block of Curtis Lane, stole a vehicle, and then re-entered the building to intentionally set it on fire. The blaze caused significant damage exceeding $500.
Jurors heard key testimony from the business manager, a South Shreveport Fire investigator, and a Shreveport Police fingerprint expert. McCray’s father also testified in an effort to defend his son.
McCray is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison at hard labor and a fine of up to $15,000…