Cloistered Nun Accused of Setting 5 Fires at Convent
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DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Police have charged a 39-year-old cloistered nun in connection with five fires at a Carmelite convent that triggered a gas explosion, injuring nine firefighters, authorities said.
Sister Maria Gartner was arrested at the convent while firemen were battling the blazes Sunday, police said. She was charged with setting the fires and was ordered to undergo psychiatric observation at Taunton State Hospital.
Police and fire officials would not give details of how the fires were started. “It’s not your everyday crime,” said Patrolman Joseph Correia, who took Sister Gartner into custody.
The Discalced Carmelite Order of Nuns live at the convent. They cut themselves off from the rest of world on Dec. 11, 1966, except for monthly visits from family members.
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