DA: Altoona man sentenced to years in prison in attempted homicide, arson case

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Blair County officials say an Altoona man has been sentenced to serve decades behind bars after pleading guilty to his role in a 2021 arson and attempted homicide case.

Daniel Sipes Jr. was one of two individuals arrested in early 2022 in connection to an arson investigation at a home along 5th Ave. in the city of Altoona.

Police say he and Maria Frye reportedly conspired to set the home ablaze in an attempt to kill the unnamed victim inside.

Investigators say an ongoing dispute with the victim reportedly lead to that decision.

While jury selection was scheduled to begin next week, officials say Sipes has agreed to plead guilty to charges of attempted homicide, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.

He was then sentenced to serve 11 to 25 years in prison, according to district attorney Peter Weeks.

Authorities add that Frye's case is still pending in court.