Chattanooga man convicted of murder now sentenced more prison time

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A man found guilty earlier this year of killing his mother by arson is now facing additional prison time, the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) said on Monday.

Joshua Wells (Chattanooga Fire Department)

A jury convicted Joshua Wells of first-degree murder in July 2023 for an arson that happened in 2016.

In July, a judge sentenced Wells to life in prison with the possibility of parole. CFD said he could have been released at age 83.

However, on Monday, Wells was sentenced for aggravated arson as well. This gives him an extra 23 years in prison, CFD said.

The fire department said the earliest he can receive parole is at age 105.

In addition, fire authorities said there are pending gun and drug charges against Wells.

Rubio Street fire (Chattanooga Fire Department)