Elusive Evidence: Florida's Botched Arson Case Against Randal Wagoner

Episode 77

In this episode of Crime to Burn, we revisit the devastating fire at Greybeard’s Tavern in Jacksonville, Florida, and the deeply flawed arson case that followed. Randal Wagoner, a local truck driver, was arrested and charged with both arson and murder after the fire claimed the life of Katherine Johnson.

What first looked like an open-and-shut case unraveled. Investigators leaned on experts who couldn’t back up their findings with scientific proof, relied on questionable witnesses, and overlooked other possible suspects.

Was Katherine Johnson’s death really a murder — or a tragic accident miscast as a crime? We’re bringing you all the shocking details of a case that collapsed under scrutiny, but not before Wagoner spent three years behind bars awaiting trial.

Background music by Not Notoriously Coordinated 

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Sources:

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  State of Florida v. Randal Wagoner – Homicide Investigation (Fourth Judicial Circuit, November 15, 2018). State Attorney’s Office report outlining case facts, problems in proof, and reasons for dismissal.

  
  


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  Harding, Ashley. Woman's body found in Greybeard Tavern fire. News4Jax, December 1, 2013, 6:40 PM. Link.

  
  


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  Lashway, Zachery, and Powers, Frank. Man who spent 3 years behind bars has murder, arson charges dropped — Randal Wagoner released last year after judge agreed case against him 'weak'. News4Jax, November 19, 2018, 5:28 PM. Link.

  
  


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  Pantazi, Andrew. Botched forensics lead to dropped charges — Prosecutors say murder case was built on flimsy evidence from police, Fire Marshal and medical examiner. Florida Times-Union / jacksonville.com, November 16, 2018 (updated). Link.