In a disturbing case of arson driven by financial motives, a Missouri woman, Cheryl Gibson, has been charged with second-degree arson after confessing to setting her late father’s home on fire to prevent her sibling from profiting from its sale.
The fire was deliberately started after an hour-long exchange with 911, during which Gibson inquired about obtaining a burn permit for the house.
Family Dispute Over Father’s Estate
Cheryl Gibson was reportedly involved in an ongoing dispute with her sibling over the sale of their late father’s house in Springfield. Both siblings had a financial interest in the property, but Gibson’s frustration boiled over when she sent a message to her sibling threatening to “burn the place down.”
Earlier that day, Gibson also spoke with the sibling’s husband, asking for help, but the conversation was interrupted by her sibling, which reportedly upset Gibson even more.
The Fire Is Set
The sequence of events leading to the fire unfolded when Gibson called 911 at about 6 p.m., an hour before the blaze started, asking how to get a burn permit for the house.
An hour later, she set the fire intentionally. According to authorities, Gibson poured gasoline throughout the house and ignited it using a book of matches, intending to stop her sibling from profiting from the property sale.
Gibson did not appear to have any hesitation or remorse about the crime. In a recorded 911 call, she admitted to pouring gasoline and starting the fire. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, Gibson was reportedly still on the property and was arrested.
Evidence Points to Gibson’s Guilt
After being read her Miranda rights, Gibson continued to admit her role in the crime. She explained that she wanted to prevent her sibling from gaining financially from the house’s sale. Gibson acknowledged that the house was insured, but she had no intention of filing a claim for the fire damage.
Further investigation by the fire marshal confirmed that the origin of the fire matched Gibson’s statements. A used matchbook identical to the one Gibson had in her possession was found at the scene, along with a nearly empty plastic gas can and a clear liquid that smelled like gasoline.
Gibson also mentioned that the front door of the house had slammed shut when she started the fire, which she believed had limited the damage. However, fire and smoke damage were still visible throughout most of the house.
Concerns About Gibson’s Future Actions
Authorities expressed concerns that Gibson might attempt to start the fire again in a more effective way. She had a clear understanding of how the front door had limited the damage, and officials feared she might improve her methods to cause greater harm. These concerns led to the decision not to release Gibson on bond after her arrest.
Cheryl Gibson’s actions have raised serious concerns about the lengths to which people will go in family disputes, especially when financial gain is involved. Her calculated decision to set the house on fire to prevent her sibling from benefiting from its sale has left many shaken.
Gibson now faces serious legal consequences, and the case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked anger and greed.
