Teen Arrested for Franklinton Trailer Fire

Source: Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office Press Release

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old girl for setting fire to her family’s manufactured home while her relatives were inside asleep. The girl was arrested on one count each of Aggravated Arson, Theft and Theft of a Firearm.

In the early morning hours of May 24, Washington Parish Fire District #2 requested the assistance of the SFM in determining the origin and cause of a fire at an occupied manufactured home located in the 20000 block of Graceland Road in Franklinton. After an assessment of the scene and collecting witness statements, investigators determined the fire was intentionally set on the exterior of the trailer and the teen was identified as a suspect. Witness statements indicated the girl’s relatives were asleep in the trailer when her sister woke up to the fire’s popping sounds. Once the rest of the family was alerted to the danger and escaped, it was discovered that the girl was already outside of the home, but had not attempted to alert or help any relatives.

During the investigation, it was discovered that several items, including a gun, were missing from the homeowner’s vehicle, which the teen admitted to taking. Once in custody, the teen admitted to the thefts and the arson but did not give a reason why. She was then booked into the Washington Parish Jail.