Early Morning Fire Leads to Arson, Attempted Capital Murder Arrest
By: KNWA News
Updated: July 19, 2012
A Fayetteville man is facing charges of attempted capital murder and arson after a fire early Thursday morning.
According to Fayetteville Police, detectives were called to a home on West Martha Dr. to investigate an arson.
The owner of the home reported being severely burned.
The victim told police that just before the fire, he was arguing with a man identified as Donnie Gene Smith.
The victim said Smith was lighting a Zippo lighter in his face and was later seen outside the home telling the victim he needed to get out.
When questioned by police, Smith admitted to being at the victim's house arguing over money. Smith also told police the two had been drinking.
Police say Smith's answers to most of their questions was "I don't know" suggesting to them that he was being deceptive.
Police also noticed the hair on Smith's hands appeared to have been burned.
Investigators gathered witness statements placing Smith at the home within minutes of the fire.
Smith was arrested and charged with Arson and Attempted Capital Murder.
The victim received 2nd degree burns and was taken by helicopter to Arkansas Children's Hospital.
According to Fayetteville Police, detectives were called to a home on West Martha Dr. to investigate an arson.
The owner of the home reported being severely burned.
The victim told police that just before the fire, he was arguing with a man identified as Donnie Gene Smith.
The victim said Smith was lighting a Zippo lighter in his face and was later seen outside the home telling the victim he needed to get out.
When questioned by police, Smith admitted to being at the victim's house arguing over money. Smith also told police the two had been drinking.
Police say Smith's answers to most of their questions was "I don't know" suggesting to them that he was being deceptive.
Police also noticed the hair on Smith's hands appeared to have been burned.
Investigators gathered witness statements placing Smith at the home within minutes of the fire.
Smith was arrested and charged with Arson and Attempted Capital Murder.
The victim received 2nd degree burns and was taken by helicopter to Arkansas Children's Hospital.
