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Journal-News.com

Xenia man indicted in fatal West Chester Twp. arson

HAMILTON — A Xenia man accused of igniting an explosion that fatally injured the owner of a West Chester Township restaurant has been indicted by a Butler County grand jury.

The grand jury this morning returned a five-count indictment against Joshua Hunter, 22, charging him with two counts of arson and one count each of involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy to commit arson and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Hunter is accused of breaking a window at Steak Thyme, 8179 Princetone-Glendale Road, and igniting gasoline inside during the early morning hours of July 6.

The fire sparked an explosion that severely injured restaurant owner, Musa Shteiwi, of Miamisburg and Shteiwi's son, Essa Shteiwi.

On Aug. 4, Musa Shteiwi died as a result of the injuries, according to the Butler County Prosecutor's Office.

West Chester Township police have alleged that the Shteiwis may have been involved in two earlier arson attempts on the restaurant and that they hired Hunter to set the third blaze which led to an accidental explosion.

The Shteiwi family has denied those allegations.

Police said Hunter had formerly worked for Shteiwi at another Steak Thyme in Kettering.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2192 or mlolli@coxohio.com.