COLUMBIA, S.C. — A man charged with criminal conspiracy in connection with an arson case in Richland County earlier this month appeared in court Friday afternoon. A judge set a $250,000 bond for 22-year-old Christian Irick.
Irick stood in court wearing an ankle monitor. He was already out on bond for a double murder from 2023 before his current charge. He was granted bond just three months ago in April for the murder charges. His bond at that time was set at $125,000, and he was ordered to wear an ankle monitor, maintain gainful employment, and remain on good behavior.
Richland County deputies said Irick is one of two suspects connected to an arson case on July 14 on Country Haven Road in Hopkins.
Investigators said one of the suspects dumped gasoline underneath a home and started the fire while the victim was inside. The suspects left the scene before the deputies arrived. Deputies said the house is undergoing repairs from the fire damage.
Irick was arrested Thursday morning at a family member's home in Florence County. Investigators located evidence related to the arson case. They also found two guns reported stolen out of Richland and Orangeburg counties. Investigators said they also discovered a large amount of narcotics in the home. According to the Richland County Sheriff's Department, these charges must be brought by Florence County.
The other suspect in this case, 18-year-old Travis Tucker, was arrested and charged with second-degree arson and possession of stolen guns. He is being held at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
News19 has contacted the solicitor's office and is working to determine how Irick was able to receive a bond after violating a previous bond set for a double murder. We have not yet received a response.
If posted, Irick's bond would require he be under house arrest, wear a GPS ankle monitor, have no contact with the victims and remain 1,000 yards from their home, work, school or place of worship.
Irick will appear in court on Sept. 27. There are no further updates on Tucker at this time.