Full Notification

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports a Benton area man arrested for arson, domestic assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Thomas R McDonald (25) of 1264 County Road 333, Benton, Missouri has been charged with the Class B Felony of Arson 1st Degree, four counts of the Class B Felony of Domestic Assault 1st Degree, and the Class C Felony of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Sheriff Walter states that on Sunday, April 5, 2015 deputies and fire personnel responded to 1264 County Road 333, outside of Benton for a report of a structure fire.

Deputies spoke with the home owner who told them she woke up to a smoke filled residence. She stated she believed McDonald had intentionally set the fire. She stated McDonald had been involved in a disturbance the day before with her daughter, who lives at the residence. The home owner stated she got her two children and grandchild and left the residence. She stated she noticed the fire was coming from the northwest bedroom on top of her daughter’s bed.

Missouri State Fire Marshal responded to the location. He determined the two origins of the fire were in the northwest bedroom on a bed and bunk bed.

A witness stated McDonald admitted to them that he burned the residence down. McDonald told the witness that he could hear the girls screaming inside the residence. Another witness told deputies that McDonald has told them that he was going to burn the residence down with everyone in it. A third witness placed McDonald at the residence shortly before it was on fire.

Deputies located and arrested McDonald. He was taken to the Scott County Jail pending the filing of formal charges by the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney.

McDonald remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond was set by the court at $25,000 cash only.