Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch - Introducing: The Arsonist Next Door

Episode Date: April 24, 2025

Coming May 1 to the Binge, The Arsonist Next Door. In the year 2000, an arson spree terrorized the city of Phoenix. Houses built along the edge of a beloved mountain preserve were being targeted. A group of radical God-fearing environmental vigilantes claimed responsibility and warned if the houses were rebuilt, they would strike again. A sprawling investigation turned friend against friend, and neighbor against neighbor. Once the fire starter was finally arrested, the mystery only deepened. Reporter Sam Anderson investigates a story of fire and betrayal that would have world-changing consequences. Binge all episodes of The Arsonist Next Door ad-free by subscribing to The Binge. Visit The Binge Crimes on Apple Podcasts and hit ‘subscribe’ or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a brief moment in the year 2000, the city of Phoenix was on fire. You could see a glow in the sky. The flames were licking up probably 40, 50 feet in the air. There's nothing natural that could have started that fire. An arsonist was on the loose, but who the hell was it? You never want to think your next door neighbor is the serial killer, but he lives next to somebody. Some pointed the finger at a group of radical eco-terrorists.

Or was it a lone wolf with a thirst for revenge? Nobody could crack the case. It was chaos. I called everybody in the office and I just said, how many more ways can we fuck this thing up? The culprit will shock you. I had several dreams about that house behind me. Your dreams about setting the fire one night I did.

From Sony Music Entertainment and Novel, this is The Arsonist Next Door. Coming May 1st to The Binge. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Sony Music Entertainment and Novel. This is The Arsonist Next Door. Coming May 1st to The Binge. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.