By james art GILBERT, Ariz. — A barn fire caught on camera is still haunting the Jones family in Gilbert. It’s a story ABC15 has been following closely since the incident happened in July.
Now one of the two teenagers charged in the case will head to sentencing. But the owner of the house is still shaken and concerned that her family will not bear real responsibility.
“It was really big,” Jenny Jones said. “Go down to where that fence is.”
Now, the fence and bare concrete serve as a constant reminder to Jones of what happened on the evening of July 3. She said a group of teenagers threw fireworks into her barn, where her daughter and friends were hanging out.
“The whole barn lit up when the fireworks were thrown,” Jones said.
But she told ABC15 it was indeed the second firework that set the barn on fire.
Jones told ABC15 months later that he still tries not to think about how much worse the fire could have been.
“But then I do it and I think there’s really no accountability for it,” Jones said.
Fortunately, no one was injured, but the building and irreplaceable elements were left destroyed.
“I think their intent was to do some harm,” Jones said. “I don’t think they necessarily intended to do what they did.”
Two teenagers were eventually arrested in the case, ABC15 is not naming them because this is all playing out in juvenile court. But court records show a 16-year-old defendant in the case changed his plea in September, admitting to multiple citations.
A week ago, Jones was in court for that teenager’s hearing, which is effectively a sentencing hearing in juvenile court.
“They predicted 30 minutes and there are about ten casualties,” Jones said. “So I don’t know how 30 minutes would be enough time.”
The hearing ultimately continued, meaning Jones’ family will be back in court next month. The next date was set for Nov. 1, but Jones hopes it can be moved to accommodate some of the victims’ homecoming activities.
“It’s hard to fight for justice when you feel like the justice system is so broken,” Jones said.
She said based on the referrals and court records, she is concerned the teenager may end up on probation and believes the seriousness of the situation is being misunderstood.
“We definitely have a problem in Gilbert, Arizona,” Jones said. “Right, kids running around [and] their parents don’t hold them accountable.”
During a city council meeting in August, Gilbert police addressed community concerns about the teenagers and the Morrison Ranch neighborhood.
“I think there are more issues that he could address,” Jones said.
That’s why she contacted Chief Michael Soelberg and hopes to set up a meeting.
“Not feeling safe in your own home, that’s really not a great feeling,” Jones said.
As they work to rebuild, this Gilbert family’s sense of security is shaken.
ABC15 is reaching out to the Gilbert Police Department with follow-up questions about the case and the community’s concerns. Our team is also contacting the minor’s attorney to see if his attorneys have any comment.