Charged with setting own home afire on March 29

By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LAPLACE — A LaPlace woman has allegedly confessed to starting the house fire on LeMoyne Drive and has been charged with aggravated arson, according to the St. John Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

Jackie Casady, 56, is reported to have poured gasoline on a chair in her own home, and when the fire got beyond her control, attempted to smother it with clothing.

However, Maj. Michael Tregre reported, the fire was not extinguished, and soon, the house was ablaze.

Casady suffered smoke inhalation injuries in the fire, and when found by LaPlace Volunteer Department Firefighters Michael Allert and Paul Anders, using thermal imaging equipment, was not breathing. Her breathing was restored by Firefighters Mel Perret and John Weaver.

Meanwhile, her son-in-law, Brian Gauthier, escaped from the rear of the house, suffering from first and second degree burns. He was soon transported to a Shreveport hospital for treatment.

LaPlace Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Snyder Jr. reported the fire alarm came at 11:17 p.m., and units arrived at 11:23 p.m., some from an earlier motorcycle accident on Airline Highway near the truck scales.

Her husband, John Casady, was outside the front of the residence and uninjured when firefighters arrived. There had been no other occupants of the house.

Snyder said a total of 15 firefighters responded to the residence fire, which caused heavy damage to the front bedroom, moderate damage to an adjacent bedroom and the hallway, and smoke and water damage throughout the house.

If convicted, she could face a prison sentence of six to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine, which is the prescribed sentence for aggravated arson.

Bond was set by 40th Judicial District Judge Madeline Jasmine.

The investigation into the house fire was handled by the State Fire Marshal, assisted by the LaPlace VFD and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, Snyder said.