NORTHAMPTON - Why?

Investigators have some idea what might have motivated alleged arsonist Anthony Baye on Dec. 27, according to Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel. But she isn't telling what Baye's possible motive might have been.

At a press conference at her office off Pleasant Street Tuesday, Scheibel would only describe the 15 fires set that night as "a random spree."

"With a case of this magnitude we must always balance the need to preserve the integrity of the investigation and the need to allay the concerns of the public," Scheibel said.

Asked by a reporter if anyone else could have been involved in setting the fires, Scheibel dodged the question.

She also wouldn't say if Baye might be responsible for past unsolved fires in the Ward 3 area, though she said investigators are exploring that possibility.

Scheibel declined to talk about the role alcohol may have played in the case. In a police report included in his court file, Baye is described as showing "signs of alcohol consumption" shortly after the fires were set.

Northampton Police Chief Russell Sienkiewicz said the investigation hinged on "good old-fashioned patrol work and investigative work combined with more high-tech (methods)."

He wouldn't specify what high-tech methods were used. But this much is clear:

In addition to interviewing fire victims and witnesses in affected neighborhoods, police also sought out surveillance video from around the city. An officer even visited the Gazette's main office on Conz Street recently to inquire after any tape showing the building's exterior.

Scheibel confirmed surveillance cameras played a role in Baye's arrest, but would not comment when asked about the locations or number of the cameras.

Police officers Monday visited several Northampton residents who own beige Toyota Camrys, according to a Florence woman whose Camry was photographed by officers about 6 p.m.

Baye was stopped by two different police officers while driving in a neighborhood off Elm Street shortly after the fires were set, according to a police report. The report does not describe the make or model of Baye's vehicle.

Investigators have plenty of their own questions to answer before the case can be closed.

So far the only charges filed against Baye relate to the fire at 17 Fair St. that killed two men. Now authorities must piece together more clues from that blaze and the 14 other fires set that night.

"There's still a phenomenal amount of follow-up work and investigation to ensure a successful prosecution," Sienkiewicz said in an interview.

"We have an arrest but there is no conviction yet," Mayor Clare Higgins said at the press conference. "We need to stay vigilant."

James F. Lowe can be reached at jlowe@gazettenet.com.