NEWBERG WOMAN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ARSON
News Release from Newberg-Dundee Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: June 2nd, 2016 3:56 PM
On June 1, 2016 at 6:11pm Fire and Police from Newberg and Dundee responded to report of an explosion and subsequent fire at a mobile home park located at 2901 E 2nd Street, Space 105, in the City of Newberg.
The fire resulted in the complete destruction of the residence. The explosion preceding the fire blew glass and debris out into the roadway in all directions. Once the fire was put out, first responders located a body within the home. That body has been sent to the Oregon State Medical Examiners Officer for official identification.
When officers arrived they met with the homeowner, Edna Bennett. She stated the body was probably that of her roommate Ana Frigine-York. You may remember Ms. York, she was the subject of a large scale missing person search in November 2015 by NDPD. Ms. York was located after being gone for three days.
Today, June 2, Ms. Bennett admitted that she had been gathering gasoline over the past week because York stated she wanted to commit suicide by lighting herself on fire. Ms. Bennett had collected approximately 12 gallons of gasoline in 2 gallon containers at York's request.
Ms. Bennett said she knew York was planning on pouring the gasoline onto herself and inside the home. She also knew the home would be destroyed and could endanger others, but hoped that no one else would be injured.
Shortly after arriving with the last two gallons of gasoline yesterday, York asked Ms. Bennett to leave the residence. It was at this time Bennett removed some personal belongings from the residence and left. Ms. Bennett figured that York was going through with her plan of suicide. Ms. Bennett said she came back to the residence when she saw and heard the fire engines.
Edna Maxine Bennett 75, of Newberg was arrested and lodged at the Yamhill County Jail. Her security amount is $20,000 on the following charges:
* Conspiracy to Commit Arson in the 1st degree
NDPD would like to thank the following agencies that assisted during this difficult investigation.
The Newberg Fire Department, Dundee Fire Department, Yamhill County Fire Investigation Team (FIT), Oregon State Police Arson Unit, Oregon State Police Fire Marshal, the Red Cross, and Yamhill County Mental Health.
