Based on Diane barbee, one neighbor of Todd’s said that in an early Monday morning while she was watching ‘the price is right’, another neighbor walked in her house and told her, Todd’s house is on fire, after which she immediately ran outside and called the ambulance for help. She also reported that before the fire, Todd was a very mean guy and he abused his wife Staci on daily basis. During the fire barbee said that while everyone was in panic, Todd’s behavior was …show more content…
She consulted with many fire scientists to prove Todd’s innocence. Gerald Hurst, a fire scientist found no arson evidence. In his report, he said that the fire at Todd’s house started by an electric wire default and accelerated by flashover, an instance of a fire spreading very quickly. Hurst believed that the fire was accidental and Todd did not burn because the fire had no liquid accelerants. He said “It wasn’t arson”, but it’s always easier to find someone guilty than to find proof of innocent. Hurst report was filed by Willingham’s attorney four days before the February 17, 2004