Former tenant torches home after eviction

Sep 22, 2021 at 08:37 am by Voice Wire

Shanna Gilpin admitted to setting fire to property located on Woodbury Pike near Floraton Road after she was evicted.
Shanna Gilpin admitted to setting fire to property located on Woodbury Pike near Floraton Road after she was evicted. (Submitted)

Shanna Gilpin entered a guilty plea last month for arson and aggravated burglary after a three-month investigation into a house fire on Feb. 14, 2020, led to her arrest, according to a press release from Rutherford County Fire-Rescue.

“Rutherford County Investigators worked many hours on the case to determine that the fire was intentionally set by Ms. Gilpin,” said RCFR Fire Marshal Joshua Sanders.

 During her plea, Gilpin admitted to setting the fire after she was evicted from the property located on Woodbury Pike near Floraton Road.

“The County takes a very aggressive stance on the crime of arson,” he continued. “Our investigators are highly trained and work extensively to determine the cause and origin of fires.”

When a fire is determined to be intentionally set, RCFR investigators, who are also law enforcement officers, conduct criminal investigations to make arrests and prosecute offenders.

The crime of arson is one of the most costly human-made disasters, indirectly contributing to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and increased cost of fire services.

Rutherford County Fire Rescue needs the public’s assistance in combatting this serious crime. Persons who have information related to a suspicious fire can contact the Fire Prevention Division directly by calling (615)-907-3600 or emailing fireprevention@rutherfordcountytn.gov.

Sections: Crime & Safety