A 20-year-old Yellville woman has been arrested in connection with a January fire that destroyed a vacant house in the city. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Christina Rose Johnston was taken into custody last week and is facing charges of arson and breaking or entering. She has since been released on a $15,000 bond.
The house, located at 1434 North Broadway, was valued at $15,380 and was deemed a total loss following the Jan. 16 fire. According to the property owner, no one was living in the residence at the time, though issues with vandalism and trespassing had been previously reported.
Investigators received a tip 11 days after the fire implicating Johnston and two other individuals, identified as Dustin Riner and Katelynne Lepee. The sheriff’s office says that during an interview, Johnston admitted that the three entered the house and started a fire to keep warm. The flames spread out of control and ultimately engulfed the structure.
Warrants have been issued for Riner and Lepee, who remain at large. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.