A TikTok couple, Dakota Harper, 21, and Felicity Eatmon, 22, were arrested after investigators say they set an abandoned home on fire on Charleston's West Side. The blaze damaged the adjacent Canaan United Methodist Church, with losses estimated at more than $10,000. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Eatmon handing a lit piece of paper to Harper before it was placed inside the vacant house. Both face first-degree arson and conspiracy charges and are being held on $10,000 bonds as the investigation continues.
TikTok Couple Arrested After Alleged Arson Damages Charleston Church
Dakota Harper appears at an arraignment in Kanawha County, West Virginia, on Tuesday after being charged with arson.
A Charleston couple known for posting videos on TikTok was arrested Tuesday after authorities say they set an abandoned West Side home on fire, a blaze that reportedly caused more than $10,000 in damage to the adjacent Canaan United Methodist Church.
Charges: Dakota Harper, 21, and Felicity Eatmon, 22, were each charged with first-degree arson and one count of conspiracy to commit an offense that can carry a possible life sentence, according to the Kanawha County Magistrate Court complaint. Both are being held on $10,000 bonds.
The couple was arrested after surveillance footage allegedly showed them placing a lit piece of paper inside the home.
How investigators say it happened: Court records and local media report that surveillance footage captured Eatmon handing what appeared to be a piece of paper to Harper, who then lit it and placed it inside the vacant home. Officials say the residence was abandoned and had no active utilities; embers reportedly continued to smolder into Monday morning.
Damage and timing: The fire was first reported at about 11:15 p.m. Sunday in Charleston's West Side. The adjacent Canaan United Methodist Church sustained significant damage, with losses estimated at more than $10,000 in the complaint.
An abandoned home in Charleston, West Virginia, was reportedly set ablaze Sunday night, causing significant damage to a nearby church.
Public attention: The pair have posted videos together and have approximately 28,000 followers on TikTok. Video from Harper's arraignment drew attention online because court documents list his height as 3 feet 9 inches and weight as 43 pounds; Eatmon is listed at 5 feet 1 inch. Footage from the hearing shows an officer moving Harper's chair closer to the table so his head was barely visible above the desk.
Next steps: The arrests and charges are based on the Kanawha County Magistrate Court complaint; investigators say the probe is ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Note: Details in this report are based on court records and media reports. Some claims are described as "alleged" while the investigation continues.
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