By Palm Beach and Broward Mugshots
A West Palm Beach woman is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say a long-running neighborhood dispute erupted into a dangerous early morning fire that caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage and could have ended much worse.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, 20-year-old Christine F. Leger was arrested on July 5 and charged with Attempted Felony Murder, First-Degree Arson, and Felony Criminal Mischief Causing More Than $1,000 in Damage.
Investigators say deputies and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded to a residence on Breezy Lane after reports of multiple vehicles and property actively burning. Fire officials were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread further.
According to the probable cause affidavit, surveillance cameras allegedly captured a woman walking around the property during the overnight hours before eventually spraying what investigators identified as BBQ lighter fluid near the residence and vehicles. Detectives say video footage showed a large flash near the front entrance before flames spread through the area.
Investigators later determined that a Nissan Altima, a Honda Pilot, an enclosed trailer, and various property stored on the lot were damaged or destroyed in the fire. The total estimated damage was reported at approximately $40,000.
The homeowner told investigators he recognized the person seen in the surveillance footage as his neighbor and reported a history of previous incidents and disputes. Witnesses also told deputies they had allegedly heard threats and observed confrontations in the days leading up to the fire.
One neighbor reportedly told investigators he had seen Leger near the property prior to the incident and had previously heard threats directed toward the residents.
Detectives eventually located Leger at her residence and took her into custody without incident. According to the affidavit, she denied setting the fire and denied damaging vehicles, telling investigators she had attended a Fourth of July barbecue and remained inside afterward.
Investigators ultimately concluded there was probable cause to charge Leger with attempted felony murder, first-degree arson, and felony criminal mischief based on the surveillance footage, witness statements, and evidence collected during the investigation.
Sometimes neighborhood disagreements end with a call to code enforcement. According to investigators, this one allegedly ended with burned vehicles, a damaged home, and a stack of felony charges. Can’t we all just get along?
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments are moderated. Text only. No photos, videos, links, addresses, phone numbers, victim information, witness names, threats, harassment, racial slurs, or unverified accusations. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Your email must be verified before your comment can be reviewed. For safety and moderation, comment submissions may include your name, email, IP address, browser/device information, and comment activity.