Convicted University of Missouri arsonist sentencing postponed

The sentencing of a Columbia man convicted of intentionally setting fires at the University of Missouri and Stephens College was canceled Thursday.

In April, a jury found 27-year-old Christopher Kelley guilty of two counts of arson.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Kelley deliberately set fires at ten different locations inside MU’s Ellis Library on September 10, 2011.

Kelley also vandalized property in the library, including computers. Investigators found human feces and urine on top of one of the study desks.

Damage to the library was estimated at nearly $1 million.

Kelley was also found guilty of starting a fire at Stephens College on May 18, 2011. That fire caused moderate smoke damage to the Audrey Webb Child Study Center.

Federal court documents state both education buildings are used for “interstate commerce.”

Kelley’s sentencing was canceled Thursday at the request of his attorney, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A new sentencing date was not announced.