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Who is responsible for a fire that killed over 60 dogs?
CASE DETAILS In Bonne Terre, Missouri, Mabel Woods had dedicated many years of her life running an animal sanctuary on a sprawling 110 acre farm. The sanctuary provided a loving and caring home for dogs that might otherwise have been impounded. She even built a $60,000 kennel to house her 115 dogs. The dogs were offered for adoption, but those that didn’t find new homes lived out their lives on the sanctuary. Mabel felt the farm was in an ideal location because her nearest neighbors were over a mile away and would not be disturbed by the dogs.  Mabel hired Charlie as a night watchman But eighteen months after she moved to the farm, Mabel’s peaceful life was shattered. One the night of December 11, 1986, someone broke into her kennel. The intruder fired at least four rounds from a .22 caliber rifle, killing two dogs and seriously wounding two others. Mabel was devastated:
 Firemen determined it was “spalling” Police officials investigated the shooting. But because the killing of an animal is only a misdemeanor, the case was given a low priority. After the shooting, Mabel hired a man named Charlie Jacobs to help out around the kennel. Charlie moved into the guesthouse and doubled as a hired hand and night watchman. For two months, nothing unusual happened. Mabel and Charlie settled into a comfortable routine. Then on the night of February 10, 1987, Charlie was in his kitchen when he noticed a bright orange glow through the window. Fifty yards away, the kennel was on fire. By the time Charlie reached the kennel, it was completely engulfed in flames. Inside were 60 dogs. According to Charlie, the animals had no way to escape:
 Police found a tire track 100 yards away Charlie managed to pull one dog from the flames, but could do nothing to save the others. The fire was so intense that it set off smoke alarms in homes over a mile away. According to Mabel, there was no reason for the kennel to burn:
Four days after the blaze, the local volunteer fire department began an investigation, headed by investigator Charlie Geesing:
“Spalling” occurs when a flammable substance is ignited on concrete. According to Charlie Geesing, the extreme heat causes the concrete to crack or erode:
Once it was determined that arson was the cause of the fire, police officials joined the investigation. One hundred yards from where the kennel once stood, police found a tire track in the mud. They made a plaster mold of the track. According to Sheriff Jack Cade of the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Department, the plaster mold and spalling pattern burned into the kennel floor are the only evidence police have in this case:
Within ten months of the fire, Mabel had built a new kennel. She is still haunted by the memory of that tragic night and fears that whoever was responsible may strike again at any time. The person who burned down Mabel’s kennel has never been caught and the case is still open. Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season two with Robert Stack and in season six with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. SUBMIT A TIP |
Sara
This is one of the few cases from the show that just make me sick. Killing 60 defenseless dogs, I can’t even imagine. Then I read that they attacker her dogs again in 94 but nothing after that. The person who did this has a special place in hell.
Franklin moorehart jr
Who took over maplewood’s kennel I would like to get in touch with them
Doggo
If you are reading this Mabel, just know that you are an amazing human being. Whoever did this was a coward. I hope they live their numbered days in guilt for having 62 dogs blood on their hands. We all stand by you and love what you do for all of those beautiful dogs.
All dogs go to heaven
God bless you
John
She passed away back in 2012
Rex
This has to be one of the most evil arson attacks ever in history of the USA.
Absolutely shocking to even think how someone could even contemplate doing such an evil act.
Those dogs are innocent animals who could have brought so much joy to the lives of familys wanting to adopt a dog.
The person who committed this crime certainly hates animals, and this person needs locking up in a cage with viscous dogs and let the viscous dogs bite him or her to death.
Very sad.
Andrew
The person wanted peace and quiet, obviously. Derrr
Julie Goff
Gee you’re full of compassion ,if I didn’t know better
Anonymous
I actually cried
Mark
Whoever this scum was, I’m sure he escalated to killing kids eventually. This is always how it starts.
I hope this dirt bag id dead.
Debbie Lasquade
BLESS YOU MABEL VENGEANCE IS JEHOVAH GODS HE KNOWS WHO DID THIS ALSO JEHOVAH GOD HATES HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD HE OR SHE WONT GET AWAY WITH IT WE NEED AN ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY NOW NOT LATER
Kirby
God Bless Mabel,she had a heart of Gold!!! And as for the COWARD!!!! That would hurt defenseless animals, I just hope and pray ,they die a very Painful death,and they suffer immensely!!!! All I can say after t as t is they are a piece of garbage and don’t deserve the air they breath!!!
thecatsmeow
The person or people who burned those dogs alive should be caught and roasted on a slow burning fire for several, several, several days. I’m confident that Hell holds a special place for the individuals or individual that did this.
Deborah p
This story makes me crazy ,, how the heck can you burn 60 defenseless animals is beyond me very upsetting; animals are fairly defenseless.. ( except for what they can physically do to defend themselves )whoever did that should burn ..burn for eternity .
j
TREANNA GILES
I just seen this on Unsolved Mysteries today. I was wondering If they ever found the person responsible for burning the Kennel down and killing 59 dogs.
Sara
As for as I can tell the evil jerk attacked again in 94 and killed 3 more dogs. They still don’t know who did it.
Kathy
I totally agree with you Deborah!
Indredcold
The scum that did these cowardly acts to these innocent dogs and the mental anguish to Mabel Wood I will refer to as an “it”.” It “needs to be captured and tortured, plain and simple. No court, no excuses, or rehabilitation.” It,” if you are still alive and reading this know that you are a weak slug, a mindless shell with never ending pain awaiting you. As for the law ’round those parts, I curse you and your families to endless pain and suffering. Your kind and the “it” will pay…….it has always been that way.
K Elise
What a horrific thing to do.I know she lives on a farm with no neighbors. So that warning,Quiet or die makes no sense. Who is around to hear the dogs bark unless their is someone living in the near by woods.Why is it so hard to find the evil SOB who did this.Surely the person has voiced his views on the subject.They had to complain to someone. I think it was poorly investigated.They should have searched the woods for the non human animal killer , unless they couldn’t be bothered. Someone is near enough to hear those dogs bark.Someone knows something!
Kathy
That evil person is probably readin these posts right now, if they are still alive
Julie Goff
Oh I believe the quiet or die is referring to a warning to her to not involve the police
karin
i just saw this on um. law enforcement is a joke, especially in small towns, I have had my own encounters with corrupt and crooked sheriffs, believe it, it was one of their own or someone they know, and no matter how evil it is that these people do anyone who would let someone get away with this is just as evil as the one that did it, small towns are full of flying monkeys with no backbone or balls, they find it easier to just be part of the hive, and are no better than the ones that do evil, i would say its 98% chance the cops know exactly who did it, and they will always get away with the wrong they do, its a circle of realtors, lawyers , cops, D.As, and judges,etc they all know one another and are of the same breed of creature. and its not going to get better, only worse, this world is in the hands of evil more and more every day.
Bobby Grey
I just saw the Kennel Arson episode for the very first time, on YouTube. I wept! I thank God for the late, wonderful, Miss Woods, who gave a fighting chance and quality life to her dogs. Those that destroy any living creature, be it human, canine or other, ought to be incarcerated. Cheers, Bobby Grey, Cork, County Cork, Ireland.
M. TENNANT
This Is So Heartbreaking And Every Time I See The Reruns On Tv, It Breaks My Heart Seeing The Dogs Dying In The Fire! I Love Dogs And They Need Love And Compassion Always! Please Everyone Say A Prayer For Mable And Her Dogs And Knowing Shes Up In Heaven With God! God Bless You Mable, Peace And Comfort Always!
Salena Hankins
If it wasn’t the neighbor, I bet it was a local hunter. If she created that shelter close to someone’s tree stand, for instance, the noise from the dogs would scare off the wild game. I think they should look in to see if any local land was leased and look at a reoccurring leaser at that time.
Anonymous
I apologize, I did not read the comment by Cheryl that Mabel has passed. Is anyone managing the kennel? Thank you
Brandon
The Kennel was closed down in 2006 and Mable was stationed in an assistant living. The farm was sold to a local business man. The dogs were relocated to other rescues and shelter’s.
Shelby Weaver
Clearly someone come to the kennel did or said someone to do it when did this happen
Amazonwatcher
i bet it was the person who bought the property like the one guy said property value is high and want the land or a resource it could have
Anonymous
It’s the 100% her neighbor. Did it because of the noise.
Anonymous
I agree. 100% the neighbor. I believe it was probably the barking that drove them to do it. My neighbors dog has barked all day and it isn’t hard to imagine that pushing someone over the edge.
Heather
I just watched the UM segment, and agree that a neighbor angry about the noise probably did it. My cousin who lives across the street from me used to have this dog that would just bark and bark and bark at all hours of the night. It kept me awake all the time, but as an animal lover I never said anything and just decided to suffer in silence. As much as I love animals though, when I was getting woke up at two and three o’clock in the morning on a regular basis there were times I wanted to strangle that dog. I didn’t, but there were times I really wanted to. It was such a cute little dog, but it drove me crazy. It’s not hard for me to imagine that constantly barking dogs would push someone over the edge, especially if that person didn’t like dogs to begin with. The “Quiet or die” message seems like a message someone would leave if the barking was the problem. I do admire Mable for trying to help the dogs though.
Teresa
It would make sense that a neighbor did it if they were close enough to hear, but they were OVER a mile away. How did they hear the freaking barking? That seems illogical. Did they purposely go closer to her house to hear it so they could get mad? There is not reason to do this because if these dogs were running free they would be struggling to survive, attacking animals to get food and doing what they could. This should have been seen as keeping them in a shelter and from doing anything that could cause harm to others. Just completely ridiculous and made me freaking cry. I hate the idea that someone could be so cowardly and stupid.
chanita
that was cruel
Tami Holladay Brueggemann
I first met Mabel when I volunteered at Open Door Animal Sanctuary. We worked there together for several years until she left to start Martha’s Animal Sanctuary. I remember all too well when this fire happened. Even though I have seen it so many times while working at rescue shelters, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of cruelty to animals that people are capable of. Mable was a wonderful woman. I’m sorry to find out that she is gone now.
Chris
I know one of Mabel’s children and have talked to him about this story. He is still very heartbroken and they have never solved this mystery. I believe this case is worth re-opening to investigate. Too many questions have gone unanswered. The Sheriff even made an attempt at humor by saying “people would be more upset over shooting their dog than their wife”. The neighbor had just gotten out of prison over an arson charge. They had been taunting Mabel, making threats, anonymous threating phone calls, shooting puppies, and painting threats on the building. This was a new building with green wood and someone had to be really angry in order to do this. This is a hate crime and today the laws would prosecute this case without limitation. I am tired of the “nobody cares” attitude around here. Just because it is Southeast Missouri everybody just shrugs it off, but justice knows no bounds and some people would love to have closer on this. Please re-open this case so that the person or persons responsible for this horrific act will be brought to justice and everyone can have closer. I can’t believe that Mabel’s final wishes weren’t even honored and the property was sold extremely cheap after her passing. Something is very fishy. This area is very corrupt in politics and the police force while they look the other direction and ignore the crime that goes on here. Our leadership should be held to higher standards and this case needs to be solved. THank you for your help!
TREANNA GILES
WOW! Yes I heard the sheriff comment about folks wives and dogs….
Chanita
That Was Very Brutal! How Could Someone be So Cruel
Like That?
Unknown
That’s Very Mean! How Could Someone Be So Cruel Like That?
Petaa motex
This was a cowardly act that may go unsolved. Burn a kennel? Seriously?
Peggy B
Mabel Marie Callaway Wood
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Birth: Mar. 21, 1921
Cornwall
Madison County
Missouri, USA
Death: Jul. 4, 2012
Fredericktown
Madison County
Missouri, USA
Born March 21, 1921 at Cornwall, the daughter of the late Dawson and Margaret (Martin) Callaway. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two brothers Ernest Callaway and William Callaway.
Mabel will be remembered by many as the co-founder of Martha’s Animal Sanctuary, which she operated here in Missouri for nearly thirty years, dedicating her life to the care and protection of animals. Caring for those animals became the single most important thing in her life.
She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her, including three sons, Darrell Griffon of the State of California, Jaryl Giffon of Fenton, and Jack Wood of Bonne Terre, 7 grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Peggy B
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=93452628
Peggy B
ANYBODY KNOWS MISSOURI IS THE PUPPY MILL CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES. AND “QUIET OR DIE” SIMPLY MEANS, THAT SHE PROBABLY KNEW ABOUT THEIR HORRIFIC TREATMENT OF THE DOGS THEY BREED & THATS WHY SHE OPENED UP THE SANCTUARY AND THATS WHY SHE WAS BEING TARGETED AND HARASSED & WHY LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS NO HELP. THEY ARE PAID VERY WELL TO TURN A BLIND EYE BY THESE PUPPY MILL PRODUCERS. EVEN THE USDA WHO IS SUPPOSE TO OVERSEE THESE MILLS ARE PAID TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY. THE AKC MAKES SO MUCH MONEY ON THESE MILLS REGISTERING THESE PUPPIES, THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT THE TREATED OF THESE DOGS EITHER. IT’S ALL ABOUT GREED!!! ALL IN THE NAME OF THAT MIGHTY DOLLAR! LEGISLATORS WON’T PASS A LAW TO MAKE IT A FELONY TO KILL A DOG. THEY ARE LOOKED AT AS PROPERTY. IT IS A SIMPLE MISDEMEANOR IN MOST STATES, THAT BASICALLY GIVES THEM A SLAP ON THE WRIST! & MAYBE A SMALL FINE. THEY HAVE NO CONSCIENCE!!! THEY ALL HAVE THESE POOR SWEET LITTLE INNOCENT PUPPY/DOGS BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS!! PLEASE RESEARCH PUPPY MILLS ONLINE AND LEARN OF ALL THE EVIL & GREED THAT IS GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY REGARDING PUPPY MILLS. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE MORE THAN 1 MILLION DOGS A YEAR BEING KILLED PUT DOWN IN SHELTERS EVERY YEAR!!! AND THEY JUST KEEP PRODUCING MORE PUPPIES!! IT IS SICKENING. THIS STORY WAS FROM 1987 & MISS MABLE HAS PASSED. IF YOU WANT TO HELP, HELP ANY OF THE THOUSANDS OF RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS NATIONWIDE THAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. EVEN MORE THAN THAT, PLEASE SIGN PETITIONS, THEY ARE ALL OVER FACEBOOK IF YOU LIKE THE RESCUE PAGES, TO PUT A STOP TO THESE PUPPY MILLS. THANKS SO MUCH FOR CARING.
Becca
According to an old article I just read, the police believe this was a revenge matter against Mabel, and had nothing to do with the dogs.
Dee
What became of the dogs that were in Mable’s new kennel when she lost her farm & was placed in a nursing home? R.I.P. Mabel, a wonderful woman. Is this still an active investigation?
Rob
I feel whoever did this had a grudge with Mabel, because she loved those dogs so much. I’m sure this person knew her, maybe someone from her past?
Anonymous
Did they look into her neighbors? Sounds to me like it’s 1 of them.
Celeste
Someone must have had it in for Mabel for long enough to set fire to her sanctuary? Why on earth would someone do that to someone who’s just trying to help these dogs find loving new homes?
Adele
I am with the other comments. It was written “quiet or die” which to me that means that its too loud at her property. I would check into neighbors. Match up the tires to the vehicles in neighboring areas.
People can be cruel but at the same time dogs can be noisy to the people that do not like dogs. But not to kill the dogs in that fire though. That is rather drastic.
ROSE E ANDREWS
WHO WULD DO SUSH A THING.
Dr. Jeffrey F. Anderson
After seeing the show about Label’s kennel I am sure that the person or persons involved in these attacks is a hunter or hunters. This makes sense with her nearest neighbor being over a mile away and the surrounding farm land where hunting can take place, perhaps at times when the dogs bark hearing the game and hunters near thus disturbing the hunt.
Matthew P.
Seriously? Hunters? As I Hunter, I would get permission near or on the farm. Wild animals eventually will careless about the dogs barking.
MDCSH
Though Mabel is gone…was the purchase of her land in any way possible due to a foreclosure of the property? Former owner who didn’t leave property to kids but sold instead? Somebody jealous of a “single” woman having so much? Some people don’t understand why a person would invest so much in animals when people are suffering so greatly…just some thoughts…
And, she sold the property but what happened to her dogs or the person working the kennel?
Anonymous
I agree that this must have been a neighbor. This is a dangerous person. I wonder if the local authorities have investigated the abutters. I wonder how much effort was really put into solving this.
Courtney
I agree it was a neighbor who didn’t like the noise. Why else would they write, “Quiet or die?” Were neighbors EVER looked at?
God bless Mabel for her love and commitment to those dogs… But it’s never too late for justice!
Deanna Adams
We like to make donation to Mabel’s kennel The tearful and soulful story pertaining to Mabel’s tragedy needs support and love. Do you have an address were I can send the check. Thank you. Deanna Adams 909-884-6105 c/o Victory Chapel, 1156 North F, San Bernardino, Ca. 92410
SimplyKelly
There is no longer a kennel. Miss Mabel died at age 90 in 2012. The arson and attacks are now so old, that it could be assumed, with a lot of trust, that the arsonist has also passed away.
There’s nothing to make a donation to. I respond to your comment, Deanna, because I don’t want anyone to scam you & take your $. People use stories like these to collect funds & create many scams. Also, it’s not safe in this day and age to post your address, phone #, & any such personal details. Especially not on a random public blog, for all to see.
Raymond Moore
As a little kid I lived in Bonne terre and unsolved mysteries used my grandparents barn to burn down to recreate the fire to the scene my grandparents name was Pete and Mary Griffin they to had dog kennels but I remember watching are barn burn down and and the camera crew being there I was only maybe six
Cheryl
Just FYI. The case was never solved. Someone from the link below contacted LE to find out how Mabel was doing. In 2006, Mabel had to sell her farm and move into a nursing home. She passed away on September 23rd, 2008 at age 90.
http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=186667
My prediction is it was a male age 20-25 who did this and perhaps stopped because he was caught committing a crime unrelated to the incidents. I would look at men of that age in the county who were arrested and locked up not long after the fire. I would also look at anyone arrested for other arsons and/or had a record of drug or alcohol abuse. If he married, I’m sure he was abusive to his wife and family.
Emily
You need to investigate all the neighbors, the people who live nearby. The words ‘quiet or die’ are words of threat for silence. I believe they did not like the noise, the barks, so they murdered the dogs.. I’m scared that it’ll happen again with Mabel rebuilding.. I want this case solved,
Elrox
I want to start a go fund me for a reward ! It’s never too late for justice. God bless this woman .
Carson87
Yeah- unless I missed something on the show (don’t think so, as I just saw it as a rewind…and with DVR…;), this was disturbing enough to me, personally, to get online, search the web for updates and local info…and do some investigatory surmising myself…not to mention set up this acct and blabber my fingers off via iPhone… But I digress:
#1: RIP to a sweet lady.
#2: I don’t think anyone (at least on forums’s 1st page) here or on show has even touched the factors REALLY behind this (besides perhaps the few folks inquiring about the man who subsequently bought the property…)- and that would explain why all this time, apparent opportunities to secure some solid leads or theories…etc, have not come up or any closure to come in the future apparently. Since everyone seemed genuinely concerned for her and helpful, I believe they fulfilled due diligence in investigation…I don’t want to say they did a poor job, esp since so little is KNOWN on my part…but I think perhaps it was so unusual a case, or done so craftily, that they eluding any/all detection.
#3: Dont buy the theory on her help…all he needed to do was quit the job he had SOUGHT OUT (presumably) if the dogs bothered him…and esp wouldn’t continue to harass…
So, it seems to me that either a personal beef, under-the-radar value of property…or another outside the box motive that just wasn’t explored was at hand. It’d be very smart to pull this apparent “hick-crime” w a clearly established motive if your intentions were none of the above…to cover tracks. The “Quiet or Die” sign is honestly the best piece of evidence in my mind, but for opposite reason than one would normally think. Clearly noise would be the first idea on an investigstor’s mind, not to mention that she- an elderly lady living alone, at the time- probably would have at least gotten the point that someone wanted her out after the first couple of violent, gun related incidences…
I have a full theory, but is completely based on imagination and circumstantial evidence (at best) but if my soon-to-be-done evaluation of a few facts about the property and getting feel for the local community… I’ll post it then, rather than sound too tooooo looney.
***Writing “Quiet or Die” – after at least 4 incidences with deadly weapons and so on…would be an indictment on any of the (presumably) FEW rural neighbors- and I’m almost sure that would have wrapped this up well before TV ran an episode…the toothless trash w 18 priors and no self control would have been cuffed and locked up immediately.
This was a cover- for something—unless I’m wrong about the integrity and assumed intelligence of any capable investigatory unit/community, not to mention the helpful exposure that so often yields results from Unsolved Mysteries.
Erin Anomous
Mable Wood was soon seized by the county under a guardianship conservatoire. Her property went into the hands of the local. Auctioneer and her wealth disappeared she was in a local low cost facility so I am not sure how that happened. She Passed away in Madison county although she was a ward of St Francois county. She was taken back to her her place of birth for burial. She has surviving children. Her effort to keep the animal shelters going in Bonne Terre lost to no funding and were not honored by the local guardian as one of her wishes.
Support of Guardians
You have it all wrong!!! She lived her life doing what she loved sheltering her animals until the time came when her funds were exhausted and her debilitating health took toll. She nor her animals were being taken care of so she was appointed a guardian to help her and her animals were seized by animal agency to treat and find homes for. Her property was sold to pay for her care in a very nice and expensive nursing facility where she was taken care of for the remainder of her life. Too many people don’t realize the cost of nursing care and assume that because someone becomes “a ward of the state” that the state just pays for everything! But NOT when you have assets. You have to exhaust your assets FIRST! I am personally greatful for the Division of Senior Services and court appointed guardians to help those in need as Ms. Wood was. Isn’t the memory of her and her once upon a time sanctuary enough? It may not have had a forever operation but that was beyond control to her situation.
Jason G.
After watching this story i would like to personally hunt this psycho down, lock him/her in a chain link fence cage, dump gas on him/her, light him/her up and mock him/her as he/she burns. I can say that after they said that this psycho wrote, ” quiet or die.” It has to be some one that lives close. Like a neighbor. Most likely a hunter, disgruntled that dogs are scaring off the wild game. I find it highly suspect that the local law enforcement haven’t been able to catch this a-hole by now. They’re not taking this case seriously or someone they know or are related to is the waist of life, dog murdering, arsonist.
Eric WB
I Get BY THE LORD GOD MOST HIGH, 1 COR CH 12-14, IT was comparators of hers, in the area, as the other people are related to officials, in the community. The case has suppressed.