In a sentencing on Thursday, January 18, 2024, 52-year-old Ruthie Cassettari of Tyler received a 12-year prison term for her involvement in an April, 2023 house fire that claimed the life of a dog.
Cassettari was initially apprehended in June following a fire on Kevin Drive, which not only led to the tragic death of a dog but also resulted in the complete destruction of a residence, a car, and a motorcycle parked nearby. The arrest was prompted by a homeowner's suspicion that Cassettari might have intentionally started the fire, supported by ring camera footage showing a car matching Cassettari's parked in front of the home shortly before the incident.
According to the arrest warrant, the homeowner's account and the video evidence contradicted Cassettari's alibi. A deputy fire marshal reached out to Cassettari, who claimed she had been in Shreveport throughout the week, a statement inconsistent with witness testimony and video footage.
Further investigation revealed that Cassettari's phone records placed her near the scene before the fire was reported. Subsequently, officials visited her residence, where she admitted to driving to the Kevin Street home on the night of the incident.
The warrant detailed Cassettari's admission: "She disclosed that she stuffed newspaper under the door that leads to the garage from the interior of the house. She stated that she then soaked the newspaper with lighter fluid and ignited the newspaper on fire using a match."
On August 17, Cassettari was indicted for arson, and on Thursday, she pleaded guilty to the charge. The same day, she received a 12-year prison sentence for her role in the arson that resulted in the tragic loss of a pet and substantial property damage.
