The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An Indiana man allegedly admitted to starting a fire inside a detached garage after an incident in which he reportedly cut off his own genitals, according to court documents.
The fire happened on May 6 at a property where the man’s mother and brother lived. Firefighters responded to the detached garage after receiving reports of the blaze, while the authorities were also investigating what was initially reported as a stabbing involving the same man.
According to court records, the man first told the authorities that he had been stabbed in a downtown area after being threatened the previous day. However, after he was taken to a hospital, he allegedly admitted that the story was untrue and said he wanted to explain what had actually happened.
Investigators said the man reportedly told them he entered the detached garage during the early morning hours carrying a kitchen knife. He allegedly cut off his genitals, placed them on the garage floor, poured gasoline over them, and set them on fire before leaving the property and later encountering the authorities.
While firefighters worked at the scene, the man’s family told investigators that a neighbor had awakened them after noticing the garage fire. They also said the detached garage did not have electrical power and that the only fuel kept inside was a small gasoline can used for a lawnmower.
Fire investigators later recovered several items from inside the garage, including a kitchen knife, a red gasoline container, and four lighters. Court records did not indicate whether the severed body part was recovered.
The man, 36, was later charged with felony arson. During an initial court hearing on July 2, a judge set bond at $10,000. Online court records showed that a surety bond was posted on July 7, and he was released from custody.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.