Woman accused of attempted manslaughter, aggravated arson in Union Parish

UNION PARISH, La. (KNOE) - Authorities have arrested a woman for setting a bed on fire while her boyfriend was laying in it.

According to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, on Feb. 6, 2021, at around 5:15 a.m., the Bernice Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 400 block of Busby Road in Bernice, La.

SFM deputies say after assessing the scene and speaking to witnesses, they were able to determine the fire started on a mattress. Deputies say they learned that the homeowner had been in an argument with his girlfriend, 31-year-old Julianne Goodson prior to the fire.

Fire officials say the victim told them that he recalled Goodson returning at some point and asking her to leave, so he could sleep. They say before she left, the homeowner reported hearing Goodson strike a lighter while she was sitting on the edge of his bed. SFM says the homeowner told them that moments later, he smelled smoke and noticed his bed was on fire.

Investigators say Goodson revealed knowledge of elements of the fire and was placed under arrest in connection with the case. She was charged with attempted manslaughter and aggravated arson.