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Greene County Helping Family Displaced by Alleged Arson - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather
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Greene County Helping Family Displaced by Alleged Arson - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Greene County Helping Family Displaced by Alleged Arson

Posted: Updated:
Yellow tape around the scene of a burned house on Celt Road Yellow tape around the scene of a burned house on Celt Road
Scene of a house fire on Celt Road Scene of a house fire on Celt Road
Gerald Alvin Baugher Gerald Alvin Baugher
Kenlyn Snow, victim witness coordinator Kenlyn Snow, victim witness coordinator
STANARDSVILLE, Va (WVIR) -

A Greene County man is facing attempted murder charges after investigators say he came within moments of trapping three children in a burning house.

Deputies responded to a call for a structure fire on Celt Road near Stanardsville around 10 a.m. Monday, August 1. When they first arrived on scene, the house was fully engulfed.

Three children were inside the house at the time of the fire and managed to fight through the smoke and escape.

"It's tragic and it's fortunate that the kids got out," said Sheriff Steve Smith of the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators are not releasing many details about the fire, but they've charged 60-year-old Gerald Alvin Baugher with five felonies - burglary, arson, and three counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Online court records indicate Baugher has faced charges in the past.

NBC29 has confirmed Baugher did not live at the house on Celt Road. Neighbors say he was a family cousin and lived nearby.

Smoke continued to pour out of the burned structure Tuesday, and hot spots ignited into small flames, prompting repeated visits from investigators.

As deputies piece together clues in an effort to determine the circumstances behind the blaze, some at the sheriff's office are turning their attention to the victims.

"Mainly just being there as a support for them and letting them know that we're here for anything they need throughout the process," said Kenlyn Snow, victim witness coordinator.

The Victim Witness Coordinator's Office is collecting essential items from clothes, to food, to school supplies. These can be dropped off at the Greene County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Smith expects the community will be a big help.

"Greene County usually comes together when tragedies like this happen. The community bonds together to help each other out and it's an amazing place to live," he said.

Baugher is scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday morning at 9 a. m. in Greene County General District Court.

To find a list of some specific items that will be helpful to the family, see the Facebook post below.

  • Greene County Helping Family Displaced by Alleged ArsonMore>>

  • Reported by Sean Cudahy

    Reported by Sean Cudahy

    Sean Cudahy joined the NBC29 news team as a general assignment reporter in April 2014.
    Full Story
    Sean Cudahy joined the NBC29 news team as a general assignment reporter in April 2014. Sean returns to Charlottesville after four years at American University in Washington, D.C., but central Virginia is his home. He grew up in Albemarle County, graduating from Albemarle High School in 2010. Email / Follow on Twitter / Full Story

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