ARRESTS MADE IN ANTHONY’S CUMMAQUID INN ARSON INVESTIGATION [HN VIDEOS]
ABOVE: Aerial shot by Paul Leidenfrost from 11/3/24, YPD booking photos, HN edits and lettering inserts…
BARNSTABLE, MASSACHUSETTS – [HN NOTES] – The man and woman accused of burning the Anthony’s Cummaquid Inn to the ground last November, were set free on personal recognizance at their arraignment on felony charges today in Barnstable District Court, despite having a separate open B&E case in another jurisdiction off-Cape, according to an HN source. Both suspects, however, were reportedly ordered to remain drug and alcohol free. Personal recognizance means they were released without bail, with a written promise to appear at their next court date. (And you know what they say – “if you can’t trust the written promise of an accused arsonist with additional open B&E charges somewhere else, who can you trust?” But I digress…)
According to media statements from the Yarmouth PD and Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, a four-month investigation led to the arrest of Jacob Ladner, 22, of Forestdale, and Isabella Medeiros, 18, of West Yarmouth. Ladner and Medeiros are both being charged with Burning of a Building (Non-Dwelling), Breaking and Entering in the Daytime for a Felony, Wanton Destruction of Property Over $1200, and Trespassing. Both were initially held in police custody on $20,000 bail after their arrests. And both were set free after “not guilty” pleas were entered – and with both promising to stay sober – at their arraignment today.
As you will see in the following HN videos, on the evening of November 3, 2024, the Yarmouth Fire Department and Yarmouth Police Departments responded to Route 6A in the area of the town line with Barnstable after receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls. A DFS statement continues as follows:
“On arrival, they found heavy fire at the vacant Anthony’s Cummaquid Inn, which was unoccupied with no utilities delivering power to the structure. With assistance from Barnstable, Brewster, Dennis, and Hyannis mutual aid companies, Yarmouth firefighters battled the wind-fed blaze through the night and into the next morning until it was fully extinguished. Nearly the entire building collapsed during those operations.
The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Yarmouth Fire Department, Yarmouth Police detectives, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, who collectively determined that the fire had been intentionally set. They continued to work the case in the weeks and months that followed, identifying the two suspects and obtaining warrants for their arrests earlier today.”
Ever since the evening of the November blaze, Yarmouth Police detectives and a state trooper assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office were busy looking for clues into who torched the historic Inn. Leads were developed from various tips and search warrants. And the investigation was eventually narrowed down to two suspects. Warrants leading to the search of the suspects’ phones provided the evidence needed to make arrests.
“These arrests were the result of painstaking work by Yarmouth Police detectives and State Police fire investigators with the support and assistance of the Yarmouth Fire Department,” said Chief Lennon. “I want to thank the community and our residents for their patience as this process unfolded.”
“Firefighters were on scene fighting this fire for more than 10 hours, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured,” said Chief Arrascue. “Fire is dangerous, destructive, and unpredictable. This intentionally set fire put first responders, the public, and the perpetrators themselves in danger.”
“Fire investigation is part of our core mission,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “When those investigations reveal criminal conduct, we will always work with our local partners to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable.”
Chief Lennon, Chief Arrascue, and State Fire Marshal Davine remind residents of an Arson Watch Reward Program that offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for information that solves, detects, or prevents arson crimes. The program is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association and tipsters can remain anonymous if they prefer. Its hotline can be reached at 1-800-682-9229.
The following HN Videos highlight the extremely dangerous, wind-fueled blaze that burned the historic Anthony’s Cummaquid Inn to the ground last November, leaving behind ashes, a charred foundation…
… and a very demanding, four-month long “whodunnit,” that’s now in the hands of our local “justice system.”
[HN VIDEOS – PRESS PLAY]
P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by The Burning Sensations… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!]
* Please note that all defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
