ASHLAND — The owner of an Ashland home that exploded in May was recently charged with arson, according to court records.
Shawna Davis, 62, was charged with two counts of arson for the damage she allegedly caused to her neighbors’ homes when she allegedly detonated her home on May 29, Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell said.
Tunnell contends that Davis ignited natural gas that had built up in her home. She was not charged for the damage she caused to her own home.
“It appears she owns it free and clear, which interestingly, is not an offense to blow up your own home,” Tunnell said. “What you can’t do is by means of fire or explosion cause damage to another’s property.”
Davis was originally indicted by a grand jury in July, but the court could not find her to serve the indictment until mid-September. Tunnell said he believes she was out of the Ashland area not to evade prosecution but because of her “significant” mental health issues.
Davis is currently free on bond and her trial is scheduled for Dec. 13. If convicted, she could spend up to 36 months in prison and receive a fine of up to $10,000.
