Woman Accused of Trying to Burn Down MLK Home Denied Bond

The 26-year-old woman charged with arson after Atlanta police say she attempted to burn down the historic birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. will remain in jail.

Fulton County Magistrate Judge Holly Hughes opted on Saturday to deny bond for Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, citing her unstable place of residence and the nature of the crime.

“She gave an address in a different state. So I find that there is a likelihood that she may not return to court,” Hughes said. “I’m extremely concerned about the randomness of this event. There does not seem to be any reason or tie to that particular location.”

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Video shows Henderson dousing the plants, porch, and front door of the home with what authorities have said was gasoline.

BREAKING UPDATE: Woman charged with pouring gasoline, trying to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.'s Atlanta birth home, according to police.
Here's what we know: https://t.co/4jdq6B3r8l pic.twitter.com/x7JpHQNAzK

— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) December 8, 2023

Two retired New York City Police officers and two Utah tourists are being credited with helping to stop the intentional burning of what Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum describes as a “jewel of the city.” They managed to detain the woman until police arrived after seeing her try to ignite a lighter.

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Henderson is charged with arson in the second degree and interfering with government property. She could also face federal charges.

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