Columbia, MO – A Missouri man is facing second-degree murder and arson charges after authorities say he deliberately set a man on fire on his own porch, leaving 80% of the victim’s skin burned in what police describe as one of several targeted arson attacks on the same home.
Deadly Porch Fire Leaves One Man Fatally Burned
According to court documents, 47-year-old Brandon Butchkoski allegedly set 31-year-old Donovan Baylis ablaze just before midnight on June 15 at a house on the 1500 block of Paris Road in Columbia.
Police say Baylis went outside to extinguish a small fire on the porch when he was suddenly engulfed in flames.
“Baylis went outside to put the fire out, and when he stomped on the fire, he was engulfed in flames,”
the probable cause statement reads.
A resident inside the home quickly grabbed a garden hose to put out the flames. Despite their efforts, Baylis suffered life-threatening injuries and later died from his burns on July 14.
Witness Accounts and Horrifying Details
Multiple witnesses described chaotic scenes that night. One resident told investigators he heard “someone jostling something around on the porch” just before Baylis stepped outside to investigate.
Moments later, the porch erupted in flames.
Another witness said he saw “a wall of fire” and Baylis completely covered in flames. Police later found a gas can on the railing of the porch and evidence suggesting accelerants had been used to start the blaze.
The suspect allegedly fled the scene on a “small BMX-style bike with black pegs.”
Pattern of Repeated Arson Attacks
According to police, this was not an isolated incident. Residents reported at least three fires at the same location, with investigators linking Butchkoski to each of them.
He reportedly used backpacks filled with accelerants to ignite the fires — including one that contained latex gloves filled with gasoline.
Authorities say that on June 29, just two weeks after the fatal blaze, Butchkoski returned and threw another burning backpack onto the roof of the same home.
“Inside the backpack was a cleaner bottle, a drink container, and latex gloves filled with gasoline,”
the affidavit alleges.
Surveillance video captured Butchkoski carrying the backpack and throwing it onto the house, leading to his arrest on July 3.
Charges and Criminal History
After initially being charged with arson, prosecutors formally upgraded the charges last week to second-degree murder and first-degree arson following Baylis’s death.
As of Sunday, Butchkoski remains behind bars awaiting his first court appearance.
According to The Columbia Missourian, Butchkoski is homeless and has an extensive criminal record, including multiple drug arrests and an unlawful possession of a firearm charge.
Broader Context: Dangers of Serial Arson
Experts note that repeat arson attacks pose not only deadly risks but also serious psychological and community impacts. Arson-related deaths and property losses remain a growing concern nationwide, often tied to mental health issues, revenge motives, or substance abuse.
Public safety officials emphasize that early reporting of suspicious fires, neighborhood surveillance, and community vigilance can help prevent such tragedies before they escalate.
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