WW arson suspect fails to appear for sentencing

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – A Walla Walla man arrested on probable cause for arson in connection with a fire at 409 W. Rees Ave. in August 2023 failed to appear at his sentencing hearing Monday.

The Walla Walla County Superior Court authorized a warrant for the arrest of Matthew Ryan Hammond, according to Walla Walla County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Somogy.

Hammond pleaded guilty to second-degree malicious mischief and second-degree burglary – both felonies.

The Walla Walla Police Department said DNA from that crime scene was sent to the Washington State Crime Lab for analysis. The sample matched Hammond’s DNA, already on file, from a previous felony conviction.

Photo shows first responders entering building at 409 W. Rees Ave. on Aug. 7, 2023.