Arson Suspect Transferred to Department of Human Services

The man charged with setting fire to an apartment house in Effingham in November has been transferred to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

(JOSEPH WRISCHNIK)

26-year-old Joseph M. Wrischnik was taken into custody while the fire was still being fought at the apartment house on South 4th Street on Veterans Day. Wrischnik has been charged with Arson, but Judge Allan Lolie noted at Wrischnik's initial court hearing that he was "not very responsive and seems confused." When setting the next court hearing, Lolie anticipated that a "likely fitness motion" would be on the docket. It was.

Wrischnik underwent a fitness hearing that led to his transfer to the Department of Human Services.

A status hearing in Wrischnik's case is set for January 30.