A Bull Shoals resident has been arrested following an investigation that determined a fire at his home was intentionally set. According to authorities, 38-year-old Cordaro Martin McKnight is being held at the Marion County Detention Center on four felony charges, including arson and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
The fire occurred on the evening of September 9 at a residence owned by McKnight, located at 1007 Lakeshore Road in Bull Shoals. The blaze destroyed a detached garage and lean-to structure and caused significant damage to the main house.
A probable cause affidavit from the Bull Shoals Police Department states that investigators obtained surveillance video from a neighboring property. The video reportedly shows McKnight walking near the detached garage moments before the fire began. Flickering lights were observed in multiple locations on the footage before flames appeared approximately 16 seconds later. The fire quickly escalated, engulfing the garage in just under three minutes.
The affidavit further notes that McKnight was recorded closing the garage door and entering the house after the fire started. He then made a 911 call to report the incident and moved two vehicles away from the garage before returning to the home. Shortly afterward, McKnight exited the house carrying a juvenile, while his wife left with a dog. The family waited across the street for emergency responders to arrive.
McKnight now faces felony charges for arson, aggravated assault, defrauding a secured creditor, and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. His bond has been set at $25,000. The investigation remains ongoing.