A Utah woman set fire to the church where she was scheduled to get married a day before the wedding, in what authorities describe as an extreme case of cold feet. The incident, involving Lenita Moreno, 25, led to charges of aggravated arson and has captured national attention for its bizarre details and $108,000 in damages.
The Wedding Eve Fire at an LDS Church
On July 10, according to court documents obtained by Utah news outlet KUTV, the fire started in the Relief Society room of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Kaysville. Moreno, her unidentified groom, and family members were setting up for the couple’s wedding the next day. The family told investigators they were about to leave when the fire alarm went off.
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A bystander used water from wedding decorations to extinguish the blaze while another person employed a fire extinguisher. Investigators later discovered the fire had been set under a chair using items “out of the ordinary,” including a tampon and other flammable materials.
The Groom’s Account and Stolen Lighters
During questioning, the groom told detectives that he and Moreno had been in the room where the fire started earlier that day. He also reported that the couple had visited an Ace Hardware store. Police obtained video footage showing Moreno stealing two cigarette lighters. Although Moreno admitted to the theft, she refused to reveal what she had taken.
“It is believed that Lenita (Tessa) started a fire within a church building while five others were still inside,” the probable cause statement noted. “Lenita did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had.”
Key Evidence and Charges
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Damage | $108,000 |
| Cause | Tampon, lighter, other flammable items |
| Charges | Aggravated arson, retail theft, providing false info |
| Arrest | Lenita Moreno, age 25 |
| Location | Kaysville, Utah |
Bullet List of Key Takeaways
- Wedding arson took place one day before the ceremony.
- Fire was ignited with a tampon and stolen lighters.
- Five people were inside the church when the fire started.
- Moreno lied about obtaining a marriage license.
- Groom cooperated with detectives.
FAQ
Why did the Utah woman set fire to the church?
What caused the fire at the LDS church?
What charges does Lenita Moreno face?
This shocking case of wedding arson has left the Kaysville community stunned. As the investigation continues, many are asking how a seemingly joyful occasion could turn so destructive.
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