RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Raleigh County man is facing arson-related charges after deputies say he broke into a local church and intentionally set multiple fires before later confessing to the crime.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded during the early morning hours of June 13 to Open Door Church following a report of a possible burglary.
When deputies arrived, they met with Pastor Lee Wooton and cleared the building before reviewing surveillance footage. Investigators said the video showed a man, later identified as Kevin Michael Goodson, looking around the church before forcing his way inside.
Once inside, deputies said Goodson allegedly set three separate fires in different areas of the church. One fire was started in the desk of a small office near the sanctuary, while two additional fires were set in the front right corner of the sanctuary.
After obtaining surveillance images, investigators released photos of the suspect on the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office social media page in hopes of identifying him.
Deputies said tips began coming in shortly afterward. During the investigation, Goodson allegedly called the investigating deputy himself and immediately confessed to setting the fires. He provided his personal information and told deputies where they could find him.
Investigators located Goodson at his grandfather’s residence, where deputies said he had already admitted his actions to family members. He voluntarily agreed to accompany deputies to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office for an interview after being advised of his Miranda rights.
According to investigators, Goodson waived his right to an attorney and gave a detailed confession. He told deputies he had consumed about a six-pack of Budweiser in less than an hour before leaving his grandfather’s home following a World Cup match.
Goodson also reportedly told investigators he considered himself “somewhat of a Christian” but had recently been struggling emotionally and was angry with God over several recent deaths in his family.
Deputies said Goodson’s detailed confession matched surveillance footage showing him inside the church between approximately 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., where he allegedly forced entry and intentionally set the three fires.
The incident remains under investigation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
