Gilbert family awaits accountability in July barn fire case

GILBERT, AZ – A barn fire caught on video still haunts the Jones family in Gilbert. It’s a story ABC15 has been following closely since the incident in July.

One of the two teenagers charged in this case will now be sentenced. But the owner is still shaken and fears that she has no real responsibility for her family.

“It was really huge,” Jeni Jones said. “He came down to where that fence is.”

Now, the fences and raw concrete constantly remind Jones of what happened on the evening of July 3. She said a group of teenagers set off fireworks in her barn, where her daughter and her friends were hanging out.

“The whole barn lit up when that fireworks went off,” Jones said.

But she told ABC15 it was actually the second firework that set the barn on fire.

Jones told ABC 15 months later that she still tries not to think about how much worse the fire could have been.

“But then I do it, and I think there’s really no accountability for it,” Jones said.

Fortunately, no one was injured, but the building and irreplaceable items were destroyed.

“I think their intention was to do damage,” Jones said. “I don’t think they necessarily intended to do as much as they did.”

Two teenagers were ultimately arrested in this case, ABC15 is not naming them since this is all playing out in juvenile court. But court records show a 16-year-old defendant in the case changed his plea in September, admitting to several citations.

A week ago, Jones was in court for this teen’s sentencing hearing, which is essentially sentencing in juvenile court.

“They planned for 30 minutes, and there are about ten victims,” Jones said. “So I don’t know how 30 minutes could be enough.”

The hearing ultimately continued, meaning Jones’ family will be back in court next month. The next date has been set for Nov. 1, but Jones hopes it can be moved to accommodate some of the victim return activities.

“It’s hard to fight for justice when you feel like the justice system is so broken,” Jones said.

She said that based on the recommendations and court documents, she is concerned the teen may end up getting probation and feels the seriousness of the situation is not understood.

“We definitely have a problem in Gilbert, Arizona,” Jones said. “The law, kids running around (and) their parents don’t hold them responsible.”

At a city council meeting in August, Gilbert police responded to community concerns about the teens and the Morrison Ranch neighborhood.

“I think he could address other issues,” Jones said.

That’s why she contacted chef Michael Soelberg and hopes to schedule a meeting.

“Not feeling safe in your own home, it’s definitely not a great feeling,” Jones said.

As they work to rebuild, the Gilbert family’s sense of security is shaken.

ABC15 is contacting the Gilbert Police Department to ask additional questions about the case and community concerns. Our team is also contacting the minor’s attorney to see if their defense team has any comment.