CHESAPEAKE - The agreement was simple, fire investigators said : A South Norfolk homeowner would pay another man $2,000 to burn down his house last weekend.

The home­owner would go to Atlantic City, N.J., that night, giving himself an alibi, the men said , according to investigators.

But the plan went awry when the home exploded, fire official s said, because gasoline was used and the vapors were ignited by the pilot light on a water heater. Investigators said the suspect told them he was blown clear of the home.

Both men are charged with conspiracy and arson of an occupied dwelling. If convicted, they could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

The explosion and fire at the Christian Avenue home Saturday knocked two walls off their foundations, said Capt. Steve Johnson, fire spokesman. Firefighters were called to the scene about 7:30 p.m. by a neighbor who heard the boom.

When firefighters arrived, fire was pouring out of every door and window in the home, Johnson said. They spent about an hour getting the blaze under control. No one was injured.

The suspect told investigators that he used about 10 gallons of fuel inside the home, Johnson said.

"He had quite a cocktail in there," Johnson said. "One gallon of gasoline has the same explosive force as six sticks of dynamite once it's fully vaporized and the right concentrations are there."

The home was destroyed and must be demolished, Johnson said.

Matthew Manley, 22, of the 2100 block of Christian Ave. and Wilson Scott II, 23, whose address was not available, are both in the Navy. They were co-workers on the carrier Enterprise. They were being held in the city jail.

Submitted on 02/23/2006

Submitted by: Gordon
Reference: Virginian Pilot 2/23/06

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
More detail on a story I moderated...have a look, Darwin! :-)

Jorge said:
Definitely Toss: Repeat

Greg said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
I'm with James - more detail - could be useful.

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