A 36-year-old man from Fort Wayne, Indiana, is facing a Level 4 felony arson charge after allegedly cutting off his own genitals and using them to start a fire at his mother's garage. Christopher Peden could face up to 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 if convicted, according to court records.
Incident Details and Investigation
The investigation began on May 6 when firefighters responded to a blaze at a detached garage in Fort Wayne. Simultaneously, police officers were dispatched to reports of a stabbing incident. Neighbors of the garage owners woke them upon noticing the fire, at which point they realized that family member Christopher Peden was missing.
Officers later located Peden, who initially claimed he had been stabbed in downtown Fort Wayne and threatened the day before. He was transported to hospital, where he reportedly confessed to police that he had been dishonest. Wanting to be truthful, Peden told investigators that at around 2 a.m., he used a kitchen knife to harm himself by cutting off his penis.
Confession and Evidence
According to FOX 59, Peden then poured gasoline on the dismembered organ and set it on fire on the floor of the garage just inside the door. He left the garage, located at the property where his mother and brother live, and walked away until he encountered law enforcement.
Upon examining the scene, police discovered a red plastic gasoline container, four lighters, and a kitchen knife. Court documents do not specify whether Peden's genitals were found. Peden's mother and brother told police that the garage only stored a gas container for their lawnmower and had no electricity.
Damage and Legal Proceedings
The fire ultimately damaged two nearby properties and two vehicles. Peden was charged with arson, a Level 4 felony. He paid a $10,000 bond on July 10 and is due in court next week for trial dates to be set.
Peden's attorney, David Felts, said he was recently retained and has not yet spoken to his client. When asked about Peden's alleged confession, Felts had no comment, according to The Independent.
