(Stuart) The Stuart Police Department says an early morning fire has led to Arson and Attempt to Commit Murder charges.
On September 6, 2026, at approximately 4:31 a.m., the Stuart Fire Department and Stuart Rescue were dispatched to the 500 block of S. Gaines Street for a report of a camper trailer on fire, with the fire beginning to spread to an adjacent residence.
Approximately one minute after the initial dispatch, a Stuart Police Officer arrived on scene and found the camper trailer fully engulfed in flames and the adjacent residence on fire. Two individuals were occupying the residence at the time of the fire, and both were able to escape without injury.
The Stuart Fire Department was enroute at 4:36 a.m. and arrived on scene at 4:38 a.m. Firefighters immediately began fire suppression efforts. Due to the extent of the fire, mutual aid was provided by the Menlo and Dexter Fire Departments. Despite the efforts of responding firefighters, both the camper trailer and the adjacent residence were ultimately destroyed by the fire. Stuart Fire Department personnel remained at the scene until returning to service at approximately 1:19 p.m.
The Stuart Police Department and Stuart Fire Department subsequently conducted a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, with assistance from the Iowa State Fire Marshal Division. Based upon evidence obtained at the scene and information developed during the investigation, investigators developed probable cause to believe that one of the occupants of the residence intentionally started the fire inside the camper while the other occupant was still inside the home.
Investigators determined that the camper was parked immediately next to the residence and that the fire was started under circumstances where it was likely to spread to the occupied home.
As a result of the investigation, Candie Jean Kingery, age 44, of Stuart, Iowa, was arrested and charged with:
• Arson in the First Degree, Iowa Code § 712.2, a Class B Felony
• Attempt to Commit Murder, Iowa Code § 707.11, a Class B Felony
Kingery was taken into custody by the Stuart Police Department and transported to the Adair County Jail.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information will be provided at this time.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
