2 charged with arson of Kennett restaurant

KENNETT, Mo. (KBSI) – Two people face arson charges after a restaurant in Kennett was set on fire in July.

Kerry William Raymond and Crystal Renee Umfress face second degree arson charges after a Mexican restaurant in connection with the fire at Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant on Monday, July 10.

A witness told police that Umfress contacted her asking her to burn the business and that Raymond and Umfress agreed to a deal to pay fine the witness had for other criminal charges.

The witness told police Umfress was upset at the owner of the businees. The witness told police Raymond tried to make an explosive device using a remote control dog shock collar and gasoline, but was unsuccessful.

Instead, they drove to Kennett, parked near the business and Raymond set the fire, according to the probable cause statement. They started to leave but did not see any smoke, so Kerry went back a second time and successfully ignited a fire, according to the statement from the witness.

The witness told police she collected $1000 in cash and then $285.05 through a cash app from Umfress.

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