Louisiana Woman Arrested for Aggravated Arson After Allegedly Setting Fire to a Home With 2 People Inside

Louisiana – The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) reported that they have arrested an Opelousas woman for allegedly setting fire to her former residence while two people were inside.
Porshia O’Neail, 29, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was arrested on June 23, 2022, on one count of Aggravated Arson in connection with the case.

The Opelousas Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire in the 1200 block of Stateman Road early on June 22. At the time of the fire, there were two people in the house. One occupant reported smelling smoke and discovering a fire on the home’s exterior. The second occupant was able to put out the fire before it caused too much damage. Deputies determined the fire was intentionally started after inspecting the scene.

Deputies learned in the days leading up to the fire that O’Neail was living in the house with two other people but was asked to leave, which sparked an argument. The female resident of the house reported finding a threatening note on her vehicle, which also had several slashed tires, shortly before the fire.

Additional investigation confirmed O’Neail as a suspect in the case, and an arrest warrant was obtained for her.

On June 23, Opelousas Police arrested O’Neail on the SFM warrant. During an interview with deputies, O’Neail later admitted to starting the fire. She was then arrested and taken to the St. Landry Parish Jail.