Rutherford County, TN — Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office has charged Melissa Ann Murphy, 38, of Smyrna with arson following a May 2021 fire at her residence.

Upon investigation, officials determined the fire had been intentionally set and identified Murphy as the primary suspect. Warrants for Murphy’s arrest were obtained at the conclusion of the investigation. She was arrested on February 10, 2022 and booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and released on a $6,000 bond. A hearing is set for March 16, 2022 in General Sessions Court.  

The crime of arson is one of the most costly human-made disasters. Arson directly contributes to increased insurance premiums, higher medical costs, lost jobs, lost income, and increased cost of fire services. The Rutherford County Fire Marshal’s Office needs your help in combatting this serious crime. 

You can contact the Fire Marshal’s Office directly with information related to a suspicious incident by calling 615-907-3600, by email at fireprevention@rutherfordcountytn.gov, or by contacting the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.  Information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of an arsonist can result in a reward of up to $5,000.