BC man sentenced to over 3 years in jail for arson fire at Ukrainian pastor’s family home

A man has been sentenced to three and half years in jail after pleading guilty to charges relating to an arson fire at a Ukrainian pastor’s family home in Victoria three years ago.

On June 11, 2025, Walter “Theo” Machinski, from Nanaimo, pled guilty to one count of arson with disregard for human life after deliberately setting fire to the home of a pastor, which is attached to the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church on Caledonia Avenue.

Machinski was arrested on April 5, 2023.

An investigation determined that this was a targeted offence, and Machinski was known to the family. However, police said the crime was “not motivated by hatred towards an identifiable group.”

Early in the morning on April 20, 2022, the family of five was reportedly woken up by the sound of what was believed to be gasoline being poured through the mailslot on the front door.

When first responders arrived, the front doorway area and upper level of the home was fully engulfed in flames. The family narrowly escaped the fire, with some forced to jump from second-story windows. Police said some family members were rescued by firefighters.

One person suffered potentially life-threatening injuries while escaping the fire and was transported to the hospital.

The home, which sustained major damage, remains uninhabitable.

Police said that the investigation included “extensive” canvassing of CCTV footage between Victoria and Nanaimo. A search was also conducted along the Malahat Highway, and numerous interviews, forensic analysis and examination of evidence in multiple locations was done to further the investigation.

Investigators added that they received “a significant volume” of leads from the public that greatly assisted detectives.

“We are incredibly fortunate that this dangerous act did not result in more serious injuries or loss of life,” said Acting Deputy Chief Michael Brown.

“The bravery of the family and the swift response of our officers and Victoria firefighters prevented a tragedy. I commend the dedication and skill of our detectives who meticulously followed the evidence to a successful conclusion. We are also grateful to the community for providing valuable information and support to the family.”