Edward Leon, a 53-year-old resident of Fultonville, New York, has been indicted on charges related to the use of fire resulting in death. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
According to the indictment, Leon is accused of setting fire to a rental property at 438 Hulett Street in Schenectady on May 2, 2013. The incident led to the deaths of David Terry and three children: Michael Terry, Layah Terry, and Donovan Duell. Another child suffered serious injuries as a result of the fire. Authorities emphasized that “the charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
Leon appeared for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell J. Katz in Albany on July 31, 2025. A detention hearing is set for August 6.
If convicted, Leon faces a minimum sentence of seven years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment or the death penalty. He may also be fined up to $250,000 and face supervised release for up to five years. Sentencing would be determined by a judge considering federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
The investigation is being conducted by ATF with support from several agencies including the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady Fire Department, New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control, New York State Police, Rotterdam Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, St. Johnsville Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping, Richard D. Bellis, and Mikayla Espinosa are handling prosecution.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about this case to contact the ATF Albany Field Office at 518-431-4182.
