She Put the ‘Hot’ in Hot Takis: Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Using Takis To Commit Arson
A Missouri woman took arson to a whole new level, using Takis chips to start a fire—now she’s facing 12 years behind bars. 🌐 #News #GreeneCountyMO #Missouri #Crime
GREENE COUNTY, MO – A Missouri woman who used an unlikely tool to commit arson—Takis tortilla chips—has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Patricia Faye Williams, 43, changed her plea to guilty this week, admitting to setting fire to a Greene County home in 2023. The bizarre crime shocked locals when the details emerged.
The Arson Incident
On August 11, 2023, authorities responded to a fire at a Greene County residence after a 911 call was made by a woman reporting that someone had started a blaze at the property.
When officers arrived, they found three people standing outside, including one in a wheelchair. One of the individuals named Williams as the person responsible for setting the fire.
The Investigation and Evidence
Williams was found near the scene, covered in soot and complaining of smoke inhalation. After being taken to the hospital for treatment, it was revealed that there were several active warrants for her arrest.
During the investigation, witnesses told fire officials that they had seen Williams pouring gasoline from a bottle onto clothing and the floor of the laundry room. They also reported that she set fire to a bag of Takis chips and tossed it onto the gasoline-soaked clothes, igniting the fire.
A field test confirmed that Takis chips, which are high in grease, could indeed support combustion. Investigators also detected traces of ignitable fluid in the laundry room, further confirming that the fire was intentionally set.
The Court Proceedings and Sentence
Initially, Williams had pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree arson. However, during her court appearance on January 9, 2025, she changed her plea to guilty.
She admitted to purchasing $2 worth of gasoline, a transaction captured on surveillance footage at a local gas station.
In the end, the court sentenced Williams to 12 years in prison.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Missouri
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