ARSONIST MIND

ARSONIST MIND - 2019 occupied house fire in the middle of the night with an adult and two children inside. Investigation spanned over 2.5 years with over 100 leads. Investigators interviewed more than 50 people, obtained over 30 court orders and search warrants. After 2.5 years of work investigators were no closer to finding a suspect.The case was further highlighted because the house appeared targeted due to a confederate flag hanging from the front porch. Eventually a tip leads to an arrest, conviction and ultimately a full recorded confession by the suspect detailing the events leading to the crime, the fire itself, and the aftermath. This case study highlights lessons learned from canvases, evidence searches and collection, polygraphs, search warrant services, cell phone and tower dump reviews, working with other agencies, small department workloads, interviews, body camera and audio recordings. Presented in a fun, learning, and interactive setting with actual pictures, video and evidence. Attendees get a behind the scenes, in-depth look into the ups and downs of a multi-year investigation. From the 911 call to courtroom testimony, conviction and beyond.

Presenter is Joe Loving, Senior Assistant Fire Marshal, Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue, Woodstock VA. He is a sworn Law Enforcement Officer and Fire Investigator with over 13 years of investigation experience. Joe has 27 years of fire and rescue experience in 2 departments - serving 10 years with the City of Manassas Park Fire and Rescue, and the last 17 years with Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue.