Arson
The DC Serial Arsonist
In 2003 the DC region was terrorized by one of the most notorious arsonists in U.S. history. This is the story of the arson investigators tasked with finding the elusive fire setter.
Episodes
Episode 1: The Firesetter
On the heels of 9/11, and the deadly sniper shootings, a firesetter in the DC region is terrorizing neighborhoods in the middle of the night. A chance encounter leads to the realization that this is the work of a serial arsonist.
Episode 2: The Eye Witnesses
As fires continue, the investigation hinges on the recall of three eyewitnesses, all teenagers. The task force comes up with some creative ways to track down the arsonist who is purchasing materials for his incendiary devices at local convenience stores.
Episode 3: The Media Leaks
To complicate the investigation further, someone close to the task force is leaking classified details of the case to the local media. It’s a delicate balance to keep the public informed while not inciting copycat firesetters and jeopardizing the investigation.
Episode 4: The DNA Profile
A DNA profile is consistently found at some of the fire scenes but doesn’t match up with a name. More physical evidence leads the task force to loop in NCIS who is dealing with their own arson investigation.
Episode 5: The Arrest
The serial arsonist is finally named and confirmed through DNA lab work. The task force has to make an arrest, but media leaks once again throw a wrench into the timeline.
Episode 6: The Serial Arsonist
The task force learns that the arsonist has been lighting fires in the DC area since the early 1980s. For the first time, we reveal the list of fires he admitted to ATF as part of a proffer agreement.
Episode 7: The Catastrophic Damage
The terror the arsonist perpetuated for decades finally came to an end thanks to the hard work of the ATF task force. In letters to our producer, the serial arsonist admits to fetishes and desires that caused him to light fires.
DC Serial Arsonist Fires.
If you click on the fire icons, you can learn more details about each incident.
About ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is the federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing federal laws pertaining to arson and explosives. More information about ATF and their mission to investigate arson can be found at https://www.atf.gov/arson.
About IAAI
Gallery
Credit: Kara McGuirk-Allison
One of the Circle 7 stores where arsonist bought the materials for his incendiary devices.
Credit: Kara McGuirk-Allison
The office space acquired for the task force at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.
Credit: Kara McGuirk-Allison
The KFC today where the arsonist worked.
Credit: Kara McGuirk-Allison
The apartment where the arsonist lived.
Credit: ATF
Sketch artist rendering of the arsonist based on interviews with three eyewitnesses
Credit: ATF
Computer composite of arsonist aka “Mr. Potato Head” sketch.
Credit: ATF
The KFC at the time the arsonist worked there.
Credit: ATF
One of the Cornelius Shopping Bag company bags.
Credit: ATF
A numeric tag that was used inside the shopping bags.
Credit: ATF
Melted incendiary device that was inside a black shopping bag.
Credit: ATF
Marine Corps pants found at arson scene in Virgina. This led the team to visit NCIS.
Credit: ATF
Marine Corps cover found at arson scene in Virgina.
Credit: ATF
Melted incendiary device tagged at ATF lab.
Credit: ATF
Lou Edna Jones’ home after the fire that killed her.
Credit: ATF
ATF’s Scott Fulkerson, Bob Luckett and Thomas Sweatt.
About Arson
ARSON is the brainchild of Scott Stephens who wanted to share the importance of fire investigation with a wide audience. He connected with producer Kara McGuirk-Allison in the Fall of 2019, and together they created the concept of Arson.
Kara McGuirk-Allison has over 25 years of journalism experience. She produced news programs for NPR including Justice Talking, and helped create and launch the podcast Hidden Brain. Kara created several podcasts as Executive Producer of Platform Media.
Kara
Scott Stephens, Executive Director for the International Association of Arson Investigators.