NORFOLK, Va. — Ryan Elza, a former 8th grade teacher who admitted to a series of suspicious fires last year in the West Ghent area of Norfolk, has received a 10-year sentence.
According to police, Elza was arrested and charged earlier this year with arson.
Elza appeared in court Friday morning after pleading guilty back in July to one count each of arson and destruction of property. The judge sentenced Elza to 10 years.
Police say in 2021, a car on Redgate Avenue was set on fire. Police say the fire started beneath a car owned by Elza’s neighbor Tiffany McGee. Days earlier, Elza had been in an argument with McGee's husband. The fire spread from the car in the driveway to the house and another vehicle. The McGees and their two children were inside the home at the time.
While in court, Elza admitted to the fires, saying he felt his family had been targeted because his wife's car was allegedly also set on fire. Elza did admit he struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism and said he feels remorse.
News 3 reporter Kelsey Jones spoke with the McGee family about the sentencing.
"We're very pleased that Ryan Elza will likely do over a decade in jail. While we think he attempted to kill our entire family, he should probably deserve more of the realities, that's likely the best we can do given the current laws regarding arson. We had kids in there. That was a very challenging night and getting our kids out was the most important thing," said the McGee family.
Elza will be back in court Dec. 2nd for his restitution hearing.
