In August, Lebanon resident Earl Yenter was accused of committing arson in the first degree. His case has recently been moved forward into the Circuit Court of Laclede County.
Yenter lit his bedroom and part of the kitchen on fire with acetone in an attempt to commit suicide before leaving the premises, according to the probable cause statement previously released by authorities. The other resident, who was asleep at the time, woke to the smell of smoke, and promptly extinguished the fire before calling authorities.
When Yenter was found by authorities, he explained to police that after he sprayed acetone, he lit a match and the fire, “exploded.” He then laid in his bed with the hopes that the smoke would asphyxiate him as he slept.
Yenter further explained how the other resident of the house wanted him to leave, to which he responded, “have a place full of ashes.” Yenter further commented, “slow burning kerosene would have done more work.”
His response when placed under arrest was, “Well, I figured I would be.”
Yenter was arrested Aug. 17 for committing arson in the first degree, which recklessly placed another person in danger, according to court documents.
Yenter’s Preliminary Hearing was set for Aug.26, but he requested to waive his right to the hearing, and the court approved. Currently, Yenter’s appearance in the Circuit Court of Laclede County, for arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 19, at 9 a.m.
This is a developing story that will be updated as soon as a disposition is announced.
