Alleged arsonist brothers’ cases dismissed
December 9, 2015
Charlea Mills
Charles Peterson, 44, of Rocky Comfort, and Theodore Peterson, 42, of Rocky Comfort, two brothers accused of arson on Farm Road 9170 in Purdy in April, had their case dismissed by Barry County Judge Woods for lack of evidence, according to Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Amy Boxx.
The Peterson brothers were charged with the crime after the victim allegedly found her dog at Theodore Peterson’s home. In the original affidavit of probable cause, the victim saw her dog, which she thought had died in the fire. The Barry County Sheriff’s Department investigated, confirmed the dog belonged to the victim and charged the two brothers, along with Norman Baez, 25, of Monett, and Tyler Rubert, 18, of Crane, with the arson.
According to the report, the Peterson brothers committed the arson to settle a debt with the victim, and Charles lit the fire while Theodore kept the match for a souvenir.
Boxx said, “The judge dismissed the case for lack of evidence. The Fire Marshall said it couldn’t be confirmed as arson.”
She added, “One of the subpoenaed witnesses didn’t show up.”
Charges against Baez and Rubert are still pending. They are each charged with burglary in the second degree, arson and theft/stealing.
Charlea Mills
Charles Peterson, 44, of Rocky Comfort, and Theodore Peterson, 42, of Rocky Comfort, two brothers accused of arson on Farm Road 9170 in Purdy in April, had their case dismissed by Barry County Judge Woods for lack of evidence, according to Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Amy Boxx.
The Peterson brothers were charged with the crime after the victim allegedly found her dog at Theodore Peterson’s home. In the original affidavit of probable cause, the victim saw her dog, which she thought had died in the fire. The Barry County Sheriff’s Department investigated, confirmed the dog belonged to the victim and charged the two brothers, along with Norman Baez, 25, of Monett, and Tyler Rubert, 18, of Crane, with the arson.
According to the report, the Peterson brothers committed the arson to settle a debt with the victim, and Charles lit the fire while Theodore kept the match for a souvenir.
Boxx said, “The judge dismissed the case for lack of evidence. The Fire Marshall said it couldn’t be confirmed as arson.”
She added, “One of the subpoenaed witnesses didn’t show up.”
Charges against Baez and Rubert are still pending. They are each charged with burglary in the second degree, arson and theft/stealing.
