Man Charged with Burglary and Arson at Springfield's Immaculate Conception School

SPRINGFIELD, MO — Police have arrested and charged a 23-year-old man, identified as Isaac Cass of Neosho, Missouri, in connection with a break-in and arson at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Springfield. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 22, 2026, drawing a quick response from both police and fire crews.

According to court documents, Cass allegedly gained entry into the elementary school by throwing a rock through one of the windows. Surveillance cameras inside the building recorded him walking through the hallways, pulling down classroom nameplates, and kicking over school tables. Investigators report that Cass defaced and damaged several religious items inside the school, including three statues of the Virgin Mary and a framed portrait of Jesus.

Before leaving the premises, Cass allegedly set fire to a banner near the school's southwest entrance. Fortunately, a nearby police officer heard the building's fire alarm and spotted the fire, allowing emergency crews to extinguish the flames before the fire could spread throughout the school. When questioned, Cass told investigators he was motivated by a resentment toward religious teachings being imposed on others. He is currently held at the Greene County Jail on charges of second-degree burglary and second-degree arson.