2 Suspects Charged In 2009 Arson Cold Case Involving Pak’s Martial Arts In Rock Hill

ROCK HILL, SC — It’s been nearly a decade since someone set fire to Pak’s Martial Arts Center in Rock Hill, but on Tuesday investigators charged two suspects with the crime.

Robert Lester, Jr., 27, and Catherine Neal, 26, have each been charged with 2nd Degree Arson, 2nd Degree Burglary, and Criminal Conspiracy. York County Sheriff, Kevin Tolson says there was also a “hate element” to the crimes, but any charges related to those matters would have to come from federal authorities.

The crime reportedly happened on the morning of June 24, 2009 at the martial arts center located at 1027 Cranford Street. Investigators say the suspects set fire to the building and spray painted graffiti, which included racial slurs.

The building suffered major damages and was mostly destroyed. Master Pak’s son, Daniel Pak, says his father opened a temporary location while the center was rebuilt, and was able to reopen within a year thanks to support from the community.

After nearly two years of intense investigation, officials say the case was administratively closed in February 2011 for clerical purposes. The case then remained on hold, according to investigators, pending any new information.

In May 2018, the York County Sheriff’s Office says they received a tip about Lester and Neal’s possible involvement in the crime. With the help of SLED arson investigators, York County Sheriff’s detectives reopened the case and were able to issue warrants for the suspects’ arrest on November 27.

Sheriff Tolson says the two suspects, who were teens at the time of the crime, were boyfriend and girlfriend and did not appear to have any connection to Pak or the martial arts center.

“I’m glad to stand here today to give Master Pak and his family some closure and security that the folks responsible for this crime will be held accountable for it,” Tolson said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

Lester and Neal both appeared before a judge Tuesday afternoon and were denied bond.

The investigation is ongoing. Check back for updates.