Pittman’s Psych Eval Amid Fire Trial | Hattiesburg News

A federal judge has approved a psychiatric evaluation for Stephen Spencer Pittman, accused of arson at the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, after his defense argued he may be mentally unfit to stand trial. The fire, set in January, destroyed the synagogue but left no injuries — though Pittman allegedly confessed to his father, calling it “the synagogue of Satan.” Facing both federal and state charges including hate crime enhancements, Pittman appeared via video from a hospital bed with bandaged hands, claiming he’s a high school grad with college credits. FBI evidence shows he bought gas, removed his license plate, broke a window, poured accelerant, and lit the blaze with a torch lighter. The synagogue is now rebuilding with public donations, while this critical mental health assessment could reshape the legal path ahead. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/37e9cb4f514c88a1