Background: the Greene County Jail in Springfield, Missouri (Greene County Sheriff”s Office). Inset: Cheryl Gibson (Greene County Sheriff’s Office).
A Missouri woman admitted to igniting a fire at a family residence to prevent her sibling from benefiting financially from its future sale, according to authorities. Just an hour before allegedly starting the fire, she reportedly dialed 911 to ask about securing a burn permit for the property.
Cheryl Gibson is currently being held at the Greene County Jail facing a second-degree arson charge. A document from the Springfield Fire Department outlines the details of the investigative process.
On Monday, Gibson became “involved in a controversy with a sibling” related to “the home of their deceased father” located in Springfield. The legal document clarifies both individuals “hold a financial interest in the property.”
Prior to the blaze, Gibson allegedly texted her sibling, threatening to “burn the place down.” Earlier that day, she was reportedly in communication with her sibling’s spouse while seeking “assistance,” which was cut short when her sibling intervened, “causing annoyance to Gibson.”
Around 6 p.m., an hour before setting the fire, Gibson “contacted 911 asking for guidance on obtaining a burn permit for the home,” according to the affidavit.
Approximately an hour later, Gibson intentionally set the residence on fire, as stated in the document. It details that she “spread gasoline throughout the house and lit it using a book of matches, driven by her intent to prevent [her sibling] from profiting from the property’s sale.”
The suspect, who allegedly called 911 to report the fire, did not appear to have any misgivings about the crime, according to the affidavit.
“During this recorded call, Gibson admitted that she had poured gasoline throughout the house and ignited it with matches,” the document says. She apparently remained on the property when emergency responders arrived and was arrested.
After being read her Miranda rights, Gibson apparently spoke with authorities some more.
“She admitted to starting the fire and explained her motive for doing so was to prevent [the sibling] from obtaining financial benefit from the property sale,” the probable cause statement says. “Gibson acknowledged that the house is insured but stated she did not plan to file a claim.”
The fire marshal investigated the fire and found its origin was “consistent” with Gibson’s statements about what she had done. A used matchbook was taken from the home, and it was “identical” to an unused matchbook she had in her possession when she was arrested, the document added.
Also found inside the house – near the back door – was “a nearly empty plastic gas can.” An “unknown clear liquid, which had the odor characteristics of gasoline” was also recovered from the house and submitted for analysis.
The affidavit added that Gibson said that when she started the fire, “the front door slammed shut, which she believed prevented the fire from getting larger and causing more extensive damage” — although there was nevertheless “fire and smoke damage throughout most of the rooms.”
According to court documents, Gibson has lived in a separate house on the same property as the house, and she “maintains continued access to both the target property” and the sibling, who is Gibson’s “only apparent community tie.”
The affidavit warns against Gibson being released on bond after her arrest.
“Most concerning, Gibson expressed disappointment that the front door closing limited the fire’s damage and demonstrated understanding of how this affected her results,” the document says, adding officials’ concerns that Gibson “will attempt to burn the house again using improved methods to cause greater damage.”
Gibson was jailed on a $5,000 surety bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 6.
