By james art
GILBERT, Arizona – Three months after a Gilbert’s barn burned to the groundone of the teenagers accused of setting the barn on fire appeared in court.
The owner of the barn says her daughter and her daughter’s friends came out just before the building went up in flames on July 3.
On the night of the 4th of July, an explosion was heard in Jones’ barn in Gilbert.
Jenny Jones says a group of her daughter’s friends were at the barn when another group of teenagers threw fireworks into the barn.
(Previous Report) Fireworks are the cause of Gilbert’s barn fire
Two teenagers are accused of throwing fireworks into a barn that caught fire in the East Valley. FOX 10’s Lindsey Ragas has the latest.
“They saw his location pop up at our house and stuff, and then they immediately stood up and when they saw he was there in the Ring video, they were saying his name, like, ‘He’s here, he’s here,’ and my daughter was like, ‘I don’t want to see it,’ and then he goes to sit down and the whole barn lights up and there’s a big boom,” Jones said.
Two minors have been arrested so far and have recently been brought before the court.
Jones says she has gone to every scheduled hearing and plans to attend the trial.
“I feel like the punishment needs to happen,” the mother said.
The barn was located in Jones’ backyard, just steps from her family. Lost items and memorabilia are irreplaceable.
“I can offer my wedding dress, but it won’t be the same. You can’t make someone whole by replacing something that’s 22 years old,” Jones said.
Jones says they plan to rebuild the barn with insurance and hope restitution will cover the rest.