A fundraising campaign for CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Pat O'Brien has been launched by Deana Mazurkiewicz, wife of the band's drummer, Paul Mazurkiewicz. O'Brien was arrested Monday (December 10) on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault. Deputies say he burglarized a house and charged at a deputy with a knife. Less than half a mile from where he was arrested, a fire broke out at O'Brien's home, sending flames billowing into the night sky from the roof. The exact cause of the blaze is unknown, but ammunition and "military-style flamethrowers" reportedly exploded inside the home during the fire. In a message on the Mightycause nonprofit fundraising platform, Deana Mazurkiewicz called O'Brien "a standup guy" who is "true to his friends, family and his band," and urged fans "not to jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out." She wrote: "As most of you are aware on December 10, 2018, Pat O'Brien's house burned down. He lost everything he owns. "Pat is a standup guy, true to his friends, family and his band. Also Pat does not have insurance, and lost everything that he owns. These funds will help him get back on his feet with the regular much-needed necessities like clothing, a roof over his head, and other daily life necessities that are needed. "Understanding that money is tight for everybody, especially around the holidays but every amount does help. If it's $1, $5 dollars, $20 or more. Every penny from this campaign will go directly to Pat. "If you're a metal fan and you've had the honor of meeting Pat at a show, or elsewhere when he's out and about then you know how friendly he is, and approachable. He would never start a campaign for himself, but I know he would be absolutely humbled by the support shown. "I asked that people not jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out, and that you show Pat nothing but love and support and let him know that you're there for him. Although the last 48 hours have been shocking to most people, they've been devastating to him. "Please feel free to share your pictures, your words and show your support. The changing of your profile pictures on Facebook has been very inspirational. The metal community is a tight one whether you know somebody personally or not ans your support is so much appreciated." The owner of the home where O'Brien was arrested wouldn't go on camera but told ABC Action News he thought the guitarist was hallucinating when he spoke to him about the "rapture" and claimed, "someone was after him." The homeowner added O'Brien seemed scared and at one point even hid in his closet. At a first appearance hearing Tuesday morning, a Hillsborough County judge told the 53-year-old musician, clad in an anti-suicide vest with his hands and ankles chained together, that he must first pass a drug test before he will be allowed to post $50,000 bail and leave jail. CANNIBAL CORPSE announced Monday that it would be part of the next North American leg of SLAYER's farewell tour.
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