The North County News in Red Bud reports that Derrick J. Twardoski, 34, was found guilty Wednesday morning at the Randolph County Courthouse of first degree murder in connection with a May 10, 2013 house fire in Percy that claimed the lives of four children.

Twardoski waived his right to a jury trial, and a stipulation of facts in the case was presented to Judge Richard Brown. He now faces a maximum of 60 years in state prison when sentencing takes place on Oct. 3.