The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Joplin man with two counts of first-degree arson following residential fires March 14 and earlier today at 909 S. Jackson Avenue.
Kirsten Blane Roach (DOB 1979) is being held in the Joplin Municipal Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond.
From the probable cause statement:
On March 14, 2026, the Joplin Police Department and the Joplin Fire Department responded to 909 S. Jackson Avenue in reference to a structure fire. The Jeffrey L Yeager and Ashley Yeagervictims/resident awoke to smoke inside of their residence.
Jeffrey Yeager and Ashley Yeager exited their residence and discovered a portion of the residence was on fire. Once the fire was extinguished, the Joplin Fire Department's Fire Marshal responded and determined that the fire had been intentionally set.
On March 20, 2026, the Joplin Police Department and the Joplin Fire Department again responded
to 909 S. Jackson in reference to a structure fire. Jeffrey Yeager and Ashley Yeager were awoke to their house on fire.
On March 20, 2026, the Joplin Police Department and the Joplin Fire Department again responded
to 909 S. Jackson in reference to a structure fire. Jeffrey Yeager and Ashley Yeager were awoke to their house on fire.
Once the fire was extinguished, the Joplin Fire Marshal responded and determined that the fire had been intentionally set.
The residents provided possible suspect information of Kirsten Roach stating they had been assisting Roach's wife who was planning to separate from Roach. Roach was contacted and denied being involved.
Roach was found to have access to a red short bed Dodge Ram truck. Businesses in the area of the arson were contacted to attempt to obtain video surveillance during the time of the arson. Video was located in the area of 10th and Sergeant showing a red short bed truck just prior to the fire being set.
Contact was made with Roach who agreed to be interviewed at the Joplin Police Department in
reference to the arsons. After being read Miranda Warning, Roach agreed to answer questions in
reference to the fires.
Contact was made with Roach who agreed to be interviewed at the Joplin Police Department in
reference to the arsons. After being read Miranda Warning, Roach agreed to answer questions in
reference to the fires.
Roach initially denied any involvement. Roach, after being confronted with the existence of video evidence, confessed to setting the fire. Roach stated he drove the red truck to the area, walked to the residence with a mason glass containing gasoline, and started the fire.
Roach then admitted to walking to the residence on March 14, 2026, with a backpack that contained
a gas can with gasoline and setting that fire as well.
Roach then admitted to walking to the residence on March 14, 2026, with a backpack that contained
a gas can with gasoline and setting that fire as well.
Roach stated he set the fires because his wife was in a relationship with the residents and he wanted them to leave his wife alone.
The residence of 909 S. Jackson Avenue was occupied at the time that both fires were set.
The residence of 909 S. Jackson Avenue was occupied at the time that both fires were set.
2 comments:
Kind of like Jim Morrison used to say -“Come on baby light my fire “.
Dude looks a little angry. Hide the matches and lighter.
Post a Comment