Executive Summary
- Kim Benniefiel, 25, was arrested by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office for allegedly setting fire to Christian Life Church.
- Investigators report that three people, including two children, were inside the building at the time but escaped uninjured.
- Charges filed against Benniefiel include Aggravated Arson, Cruelty to Juveniles, and Simple Arson of a Religious Building.
VINTON, La. – Authorities have arrested a 25-year-old woman in connection with an intentionally set fire at a church in Vinton, Louisiana, which was occupied by three individuals, including two children, at the time of the incident. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) announced the arrest of Kim Benniefiel following an investigation into the blaze at the Christian Life Church.
According to official reports from the SFM, the incident occurred at the religious facility located in the 1800 block of West Street. The Vinton Fire Department initially responded to the scene and subsequently requested the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Deputies concluded that the fire had been set intentionally.
Investigators stated that three people were inside the building when the fire began. This group included two juveniles. Officials confirmed that all three occupants managed to escape the structure without sustaining any injuries.
Following the investigation, Benniefiel was taken into custody and booked on multiple charges. SFM records indicate she faces counts of Aggravated Arson, Cruelty to Juveniles, and Simple Arson of a Religious Building. Authorities noted that the investigation remains active.
It is important to note that all individuals named in criminal investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Outlook
The escalation of charges to include aggravated arson highlights the severity of the incident due to the presence of occupants within the structure at the time of the fire. In Louisiana, aggravated arson carries significantly heavier legal penalties than simple arson because of the foreseeable danger to human life. As the inquiry proceeds, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is likely to focus on establishing the specific intent and timeline of events to substantiate the cruelty to juveniles charge, given the presence of minors during the hazardous event.
