SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3/Gray News) – A Missouri judge sentenced a woman to 12 years in prison for using Takis tortilla chips to set fire to a Springfield home with three people inside it.
Patricia Williams, 44, pleaded guilty to first-degree arson for sparking the house fire in the 2300 block of North Weller Avenue on Aug. 11, 2023.
According to investigators, witnesses said the fire had been intentionally set and they identified Williams as the suspect.
Officers arrested Williams at the scene.
“The cooperation between agencies was critical to the outcome of this case,” said Fire Marshal Travis Morrissey. “The SPD officer’s immediate response allowed them to take the suspect into custody before she could leave the scene, and their assistance with gathering witness statements allowed fire investigators to complete the thorough and systematic investigation for the prosecution of the arson case.”
Investigators say Williams admitted to using the spicy snack to start the fire, knowing it would combust “due to its high grease content.”
Surveillance footage shows Williams buying $2 worth of gasoline at a nearby gas station.
Williams poured the gasoline, which was stored in a soda bottle, onto the home’s floor and a pile of laundry, according to investigators. She then set fire to the tortilla chips and used them to ignite the blaze.
Morrissey said the case demonstrates how interagency cooperation leads to optimal outcomes.
“The responding officer’s initiative and SPD’s continued support throughout the investigation were instrumental in achieving the outcome.”
Three people inside the house escaped without injury.
The relationship between Williams and the victims remains unclear.
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