FLOYDS KNOBS, Ind. — (WHAS11)-A 15-year-old in Southern Indiana teen has been accused of intentionally starting a fire that led to his father's death in June.
Adam Hersker was charged as an adult with committing arson resulting in serious bodily injury after police said he set fire to his home in the 2800 block of Andrea Drive just before 3 a.m. on June 16.
Police said three kids escaped the home, but Adam's legal guardians Dorothy and Michael Hersker were transported to University Hospital for burns. The couple told police they could not find their son who had run away from home the night before.
The 15-year-old was found a few hours later and admitted to officers that he intentionally set the fire by pouring gasoline on the carpet and lighting it with a match. Hersker said he was upset at his parents and wanted to "hurt them severely" after they had an argument the previous day.
Officers said Michael Hersker had severe burns covering 80-90% of his arms and legs. An obituary showed Hersker passed away on July 4, 2019.
The teen pleaded not guilty and is being held in the Clark County Jail. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for August 21.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.