Johnson City Murder/Arson Suspect Waives Hearing

The man accused of torching a Johnson City apartment house, killing two young children is having his case proceed to a Grand Jury in Broome County Court without a preliminary hearing.

38 year old Dwight Burton, who is charged with murder and arson in the October 19 fire on Floral Avenue, waived a preliminary hearing in Johnson City Village Court October 23.

4 year old Joshua Maxwell and 3 year old Michael Maxwell died in the early morning fire.

The children’s mother, Erica Kurtz and the suspect’s former girlfriend, Jessica Baxter both escaped the building but are in critical condition with extensive burn injuries.

If Burton is convicted on the current charges, he could spend up to life in prison.

The investigation into the fire is continuing.