A St. Joseph man has been charged with arson and murder after a fire in Weston in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 17.
Anthony Fleming, 24, allegedly set the fire at a home on Prospect Street in Weston that resulted in the death of Timothy Darby, 60, of Weston. Charges were filed early Monday, Jan. 18, according to Platte County prosecuting attorney Eric Zahnd, following an investigation led by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. Fleming is being held without bond at the Platte County Detention Center.
According to court documents, Fleming allegedly intentionally set a fire in the residence sometime between 1-2 a.m. Jan. 17. He then allegedly fled from the residence on foot before authorities arrived. He was found about one mile from the home in a wooded area, wearing only socks and barricaded into a makeshift stick shelter. Firefighters found Darby dead in the kitchen of the house.
The daughter of the deceased – and girlfriend to Fleming – told police that Fleming had been using methamphetamine since Friday, Jan. 15 and had been heard talking to himself after spending 48 hours awake. Fleming also told the daughter of the deceased, according to court documents, that Darby, who was in hospice care and in the end stage of life, had told Fleming he was ready to die.
“During the interview with Anthony Fleming, he admitted he set the fire,” according to the statement of probable cause. “Fleming admitted he used a lighter to light items of clothing on his bed in his bedroom in the house on fire. Fleming provided the reason that he set fire to the house was to cause a distraction to make it look like he had died.”
Fleming
Fleming told police he regretted the death of his dog in the fire, but did not show concern over Darby’s fate.
“Our detectives, deputies, the Weston Police Department and prosecutors did an outstanding job working together, which resulted in the quick apprehension of this defendant,” said Platte County sheriff Mark Owen. “Their tireless work is the reason prosecutors will be able to seek justice for the victim and his family. I especially want to thank the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office and all of the fire and ambulance personnel who responded to the fire for their assistance at the fire scene and the Weston Police Department for their assistance in apprehending the subject and assisting with the investigation.”
Fleming is charged with first degree arson and second degree murder. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison on each charge. The case is being investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by assistant prosecuting attorney Myles Perry.