| August 28, 2006 |
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| Man Dies During Suspected
Arson |
| Call
Originated as a Domestic Disturbance |
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Burke County Sheriff's
detectives and the Burke County Fire Marshal's Office continue to investigate
an arson in which a man died while reportedly attempting to save his property.
A woman has been charged with second degree arson in the case.
Crystal
Ann Baker (right), 46, of 195 Glenwood Avenue,
Marion is in jail under an $80,000 secured bond. She faces additional charges
of violating a domestic violence protective order. |
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| According to Burke
County Detective Lieutenant Becky Brendle, John Thomas Goodman, 54, contacted
the Sheriff's Office on Saturday at 3:35 PM to report Baker unlawfully being at
his 4879 John Abee Street home in Connelly Springs. |
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| The man reportedly told
a dispatcher that he had a restraining order against Baker, and that he was
calling from his neighbor's house. |
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| Lt. Wally Oaks and Sgt.
Alan Cobb responded and met with Goodman. They drove to the man's residence,
Brendle said, and discovered it engulfed with smoke. |
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| Oaks reportedly called
for the fire department, and he and Cobb opened the front door of the home.
They discovered a chair on fire, which Goodman attempted to extinguish with a
bucket of water, Brendle stated. |
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| Oaks searched the
residence for Crystal Baker but did not locate her, according to Brendle. He
and Goodman reportedly exited the residence after the heat and smoke became
unbearable. |
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| The owner of the
property arrived, Brendle said, and he and Goodman began pushing a scooter from
the front porch while deputies continued to search for Baker. |
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| Goodman reportedly
collapsed while pushing the scooter away from the home, and CPR attempts by
emergency personnel were unsuccessful. The man was pronounced dead at Grace
Hospital a short time later, Brendle said. |
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| Although Goodman may
have experienced a heart attack, the cause of death has not been determined
pending an autopsy, according to the detective. |
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| Brendle said Crystal
Baker was located at a friend's home in Connelly Springs around 6 PM Saturday.
She was charged with violating a domestic violence protective order and ordered
jailed for at least 48 hours. |
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| Sunday evening, the
Burke County Fire Marshal's Office levied the additional charge of arson. |
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| Burke County Sheriff
John T. McDevitt would not speculate on other charges that may be pending
against Baker. |
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| "We will discuss the
case with the District Attorney's Office, pursuant to the findings of Mr.
Goodman's autopsy, and in conjunction with the Fire Marshal's Office," said
McDevitt. |
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| Baker will have a first
court appearance today on the arson charge, and a district court appearance of
September 11th for the protective order violation. |
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| ************************************************************** |
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