The heartbreaking news that an occupied barn has burned, resulting in a loss of horses, is coming out of Tioga Downs this morning (Thursday, Nov. 9).
On Nov. 9, 2023, New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Boyd H. Fenton, age 32 of Athens, Pennsylvania, after a fire at a barn structure at the Tioga Downs Casino complex. Over two-dozen racehorses died in the fire.
Fenton has been charged with:
- Arson in the third degree, class “C” felony
- Burglary in the third degree, class “D” felony
- Criminal Mischief in the second, class “D” felony
- Assault in the second degree, class “D” felony
An investigation revealed that Fenton entered the barn and intentionally set a fire, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
One person who entered the burning barn in an attempt to save horses suffered second degree burns and was transported to Robert Packer Hospital for treatment.
Fenton was arraigned before a judge this afternoon and remanded to the Tioga County Correctional Facility.
Troopers on scene were assisted by Nichols Fire and multiple mutual aid agencies including: Tioga Center Fire Dept, Waverly-Barton Fire Dept, Pennsylvania Fire Departments including Wyndham Township, Athens Fire and Athens Borough Fire, Greater Valley EMS, Bradford County Rehab trailer. Other responding and assisting agencies include Tioga County Emergency Services, Tioga County Fire Investigation, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and New York State Police.
The investigation is ongoing.
The New York State Police would like to offer condolences to affected individuals and families that lost their beloved animals during this tragic incident.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to those affected by the barn fire at Tioga Downs.
(Tioga Downs / NYSP)