The Binge Crimes: The Arsonist Next Door – Episode 1: You Build, We Burn
Introduction
The Binge Crimes: The Arsonist Next Door delves into a chilling true crime story set in Phoenix, Arizona, in the year 2000. Host Sam Anderson, alongside producer Leona Hamid and a dedicated investigative team, unravels the mystery behind a series of arson attacks that plagued the city, targeting newly constructed homes near the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. This episode, titled "You Build, We Burn," sets the stage for a gripping narrative of fire, betrayal, and community turmoil.
Setting the Scene: Phoenix, 2000
The story begins with Lee Benson, a local businessman, embarking on building his dream mansion in Heritage Heights, an affluent suburb bordering the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Lee's sprawling 10,000-square-foot home, complete with amenities like a four-car garage and a martial arts studio, symbolizes his success and ambition.
[01:45] Lee Benson: “The walls are up, the roof is on, all the wiring is in. Every day, coming to the construction site and watching this thing go up, it was so much fun.”
Despite the grandeur of Lee's construction project, tensions simmer within the community. Heritage Heights, nestled between Freeway 51 and the preserve, is home to upper-middle-class professionals who value their serene environment and the natural beauty of the nearby wilderness.
The First Fire: A Devastating Loss
On a quiet Sunday night in April 2000, Battalion Chief Brian Parks and his firefighting team are alerted to a massive fire engulfing Lee Benson's nearly completed mansion.
[02:04] Battalion Chief Brian Parks: “All of a sudden the lights kicked on the station... Your heart starts pounding, you're breathing fast.”
As firefighters battle the intense blaze, the community watches in horror as Lee's dream house is reduced to ashes.
[03:20] Sam Anderson: "Lee Benson's mansion, on the verge of completion, is engulfed in flames."
Despite the devastation, Lee initially attributes the fire to an accidental cause, possibly children smoking cigarettes.
[05:38] Battalion Chief Brian Parks: “There's nothing natural that could have started that fire other than somebody else doing it.”
However, the investigation soon reveals signs of arson, prompting suspicions that someone maliciously targeted Lee's property.
The Emergence of CSP: Messages and Mysteries
Weeks after the first fire, a menacing message appears on a construction site's sign:
[06:05] Lee Benson: “You build, we burn again.”
Signature: CSP
This cryptic acronym baffles investigators and raises questions about its meaning and the intentions behind the threats.
[06:27] Lee Benson: “Could there be somebody that, you know, has an issue with me? They just needed answers.”
As CSP's cryptic warnings escalate, further fires target other half-built homes near the preserve, intensifying community fear and suspicion.
Community Fear and Media Frenzy
The pattern of attacks sparks widespread panic and media frenzy, with local journalists drawing parallels to known eco-terrorist groups like the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). CSP (Coalition to Save the Preserves) emerges as a suspected group behind the arsons, blending environmental extremism with religious fervor.
[21:01] Sam Anderson: “CSP stands for Coalition to Save the Preserves.”
The community becomes polarized, with some viewing Lee as a "folk hero" while others fear the relentless arsonist targeting their neighborhood.
Investigation Under Strain
Lieutenant Rob Handy leads the Phoenix Police Department's investigation, grappling with limited evidence and mounting pressure from the community and media. Attempts to link CSP to existing eco-terrorist groups like ELF prove inconclusive, leaving Rob suspecting a lone actor with personal grievances.
[29:12] Sam Anderson: “Is it frustrating knowing that one guy or group of people is outsmarting like a whole police department?”
Rob's frustration peaks as fires continue unabated, and the community grows restless and distrustful of the authorities' inability to quell the arson spree.
Escalation and Community Meetings
With multiple fires in nine months, including one near Warren Jerrems' home and another targeting Amy Gitler's property, the neighborhood's tension reaches a boiling point. Rob organizes a community meeting to reassure residents and gather leads.
[31:08] Sam Anderson: “Some neighbors complain about slow response times from investigators. Others say not enough resources are being devoted to the case.”
During the meeting, the unexpected appearance of FBI Agent Terry Kearns adds another layer of complexity, hinting at potential federal involvement and escalating the stakes of the investigation.
[32:14] Sam Anderson: “This is a story about fire and betrayal with world-changing consequences.”
Conclusion: The Chase Continues
As the episode concludes, Rob Handy and his team are on the brink of identifying a suspect with environmental leanings and a history of protesting development. Just as hope seems within reach, another fire erupts, complicating the investigation and underscoring the arsonist's cunning and elusiveness.
[38:37] Lieutenant Rob Handy: “They had some hardcore environmental leanings and had some light criminal history.”
The episode leaves listeners on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for further exploration of the arsonist's motives, the community's response, and the ultimate resolution of this harrowing case.
Notable Quotes
- Brian Parks [02:14]: “The flames were licking up probably 40, 50ft in the air in the area of the mountain preserves.”
- Lee Benson [15:38]: “There's no way I'm going to let somebody like that win. No way.”
- Lieutenant Rob Handy [21:39]: “The first thing that came to mind was, was this an environmental group?”
Key Themes and Insights
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Community Tensions: The juxtaposition of rapid urban development against preserved wilderness creates friction among residents, highlighting the classic conflict between progress and conservation.
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Psychological Impact: The relentless arson attacks instill fear and paranoia, fracturing the sense of safety within the community and straining relationships among neighbors.
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Investigation Challenges: Limited evidence and the arsonist's calculated moves complicate the police investigation, emphasizing the difficulties in solving such intricate crimes.
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Media Influence: The media's portrayal of CSP ties the local arson spree to national eco-terrorism narratives, influencing public perception and adding pressure on law enforcement.
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Personal Agendas: Lee Benson's refusal to be intimidated by the arsonist underscores themes of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Episode 1 of The Binge Crimes: The Arsonist Next Door masterfully sets up a complex narrative of environmental activism turned destructive, community upheaval, and the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement. Through engaging storytelling and meticulous detail, Sam Anderson invites listeners into the heart of Phoenix's darkest chapter, promising further revelations and deep dives into the characters and motives driving this arsonist's menacing campaign.
Credits and Production Notes
This episode was written and reported by Sam Anderson, produced by Leona Hamid, with assistance from Madeline Parr and research by Zayana Youssef. The production team includes Tom Wright, G. Stiles, and editor Dave Anderson, among others. Sound design and scoring were crafted by Nicholas Alexander and Daniel Kempson, with the original theme composed by Nicholas Alexander.
From Sony Music Entertainment and Novel, this series promises an in-depth exploration of one of Phoenix's most notorious criminal cases, blending investigative journalism with compelling storytelling.