Fayetteville man arrested for attempted first-degree murder after setting fire to girlfriend's home with children inside
A Fayetteville man has been arrested for attempted first-degree murder after setting fire to his girlfriend's home in March while she and five children were inside.
Patrick Bernard James, 41, turned himself in at the Cumberland County Detention Center on Monday.
On March 30 at 1:42 a.m., the Fayetteville City Fire Department responded to a fire at a home on Kenbrian Street.
Police said the suspect set fire to a single-wide mobile home during a domestic dispute.
The suspect was identified as Patrick Bernard James, 41, of Fayetteville, who set his girlfriend’s mattress on fire.
At the time, there were two adults and five juveniles inside the home. Everyone was able to escape without injury.
An arrest warrant had been issued for James prior
James was charged with the following crimes:
- Seven counts of attempted first-degree murder
- First-degree arson
- Burning of personal property
- Assault on a female
He is currently being held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. His first appearance was scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m.
If you have any information about this investigation, please contact Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigator R. Tyndall at 910-677-5499 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477.
