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Firebugs Christopher Baker, 36, and April Fazenbaker, 41, both of Friendsville, are facing arson charges following a lengthy probe into a summertime fire that claimed the lives of several family pets and nearly burned up a litter of puppies.
Early on June 1, 2023, firefighters were called to a Garrett County home on Cherry Lane Road in Friendsville, where a fire broke out inside the home.
Firefighters were able to knock down the flames swiftly - not before the felines perished - and investigators from the Fire Marshal's Office found two separate points of origin inside the home.
Two cats were killed by the incendiary fire, though firefighters were able to corral the blaze before it spread to the front porch, where there was a kennel of six puppies in a perilous position before crews intervened.
The investigators led to Baker and Fazenbaker, the homeowners, and they were charged this week before turning themselves in, authorities announced.
"After learning of this heartbreaking incident where the owners are accused of deliberately setting a fire that tragically led to the deaths of their cats and nearly killed a kennel of puppies, I am deeply saddened and appalled by this senseless act of cruelty," acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said.
The dubious duo were both charged with first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit first-degree arson following the months-long investigation.
They were taken to the Garrett County Detention Center and later released after posting an unsecured $20,000 bond.
"I'm proud of the investigators who thoroughly investigated this case and are holding these two accountable," Mowbray added. "Such behavior is unacceptable and goes against the values of the community."
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