Kentucky — A Kentucky man has pleaded not guilty to an arson charge after being accused of burning down his own home while his teenage sons were inside.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office announced during a press conference that Dustin Fields, 43, was arrested on Thursday, the day after a fire destroyed his home in Frankfort, Kentucky, killing his two sons, ages 13 and 15.
Authorities said their investigation led them to charge Fields with first-degree arson.
As more information was released, including an arrest citation obtained by local ABC affiliate WTVQ, investigators stated that a K-9 from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms detected accelerants on Fields’ shoes and inside the home.
Fields allegedly “used accelerants to set fire to his residence knowing that the home was occupied by his two juvenile sons,” according to an arrest citation obtained by local NBC affiliate WLEX. The accelerants were also allegedly discovered where the boys’ bodies were found.
The two boys were autopsied, as was a family dog who was discovered dead after the fire. The sheriff’s office stated during the press conference that the ongoing investigation may result in additional charges.
According to a GoFundMe campaign started by a friend of Fields’ wife, who is the stepmother of the two boys and has a 3-year-old son with Fields, the couple has a history of domestic violence dating back to late 2024.
According to the friend, Fields’ wife filed an emergency protection order against her husband in March on behalf of herself, their youngest son, and the two teenagers. Their court dates were repeatedly delayed due to weather and other issues. The couple’s court date was scheduled for May 7.
Fields’ home was destroyed by fire on April 30, leaving his two sons inside.
During his virtual court appearance on Monday, Fields pleaded not guilty to first-degree arson and was granted $2 million bail. The suspect inquired of the judge, “Is there any chance of me furloughing out for the kids’ funeral?” He continued, “I miss my boys.”
The prosecution objected, but the judge stated that Fields could ask his lawyer to file a motion with the Commonwealth. Fields is due in court again on May 13th.
