THORNTON, W.Va. — Four Taylor County residents are free on bond after being arrested on first-degree arson charges, investigators with the state Fire Marshal’s Office said Friday.
A mobile home at 148 Bent Ridge Road in Thornton was destroyed by flames on July 28. Investigators allege Christopher Lee Shroyer and his wife Amanda Deavers, who were living in the mobile home and in the process of purchasing it, conspired with mobile home owner Walter Hagan Thomas, 87, to have it set on fire so the couple could collect the insurance money.
The mobile home had more than $100,000 of insurance on it at the time of the blaze. According to investigators, Robert “Bobby” Wayne Clemens, was paid $3,500 to set the blaze.
All four defendants have posted bond. Preliminary hearings will now be scheduled.