Arson Suspect Says God Told Her to Start Fire

Savannah Brook Rhodes

By Jessie Williams 

A Hartsville woman arrested for arson and burglary, told law enforcement it was God who told her to start a fire that caused significant damage to a Howell Road residence.

According to the report filed by Detective Byron Butcher of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, 29-year-old Savannah Brook Rhodes entered the uninhabited residence on May 9, 2024, and intentionally started a fire inside.

Upon going to investigate smoke coming from the residence, the property owner discovered Rhodes on the property.

Westmoreland firefighters also recovered a cell phone, tablet and laptop from the fire, all of which belonged to Miss Rhodes.

While being questioned by deputies on the scene, Rhodes stated that she started the fire because God told her to.

Rhodes’ hands were covered in black soot from the fire and her vehicle was recovered a short distance from the scene, as well as more of her belongings that were thrown in a ditch.

A TBI arson investigator determined the fire was set intentionally.

The property owner claimed to have never met Miss Rhodes before and had no knowledge of who she was.

Rhodes’ bond was set at $70,000, and she is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on June 12, 2024.