A 43-year-old father from Kentucky has pleaded not guilty to arson after being accused of setting fire to his own home, killing his two teenage sons who were inside. The incident took place in Frankfort, Kentucky, and has left the community in shock and mourning.
What Happened?
On April 30, a fire completely destroyed Dustin Fields’ home. Tragically, his 13-year-old and 15-year-old sons, along with the family dog, died in the fire. The next day, Fields was arrested and charged with arson in the first degree.
According to investigators, accelerants — substances used to start or increase the spread of fire — were found on:
- Fields’ shoes
- Inside the home
- Near where the boys’ bodies were discovered
A K-9 unit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) helped detect the accelerants.
The arrest citation stated:
“Fields used accelerants to set fire to his residence knowing that the home was occupied by his two juvenile sons.”
Ongoing Investigation and Possible More Charges
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a press conference that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed based on what is discovered.
The bodies of the boys and the family dog were sent for autopsies, and investigators are continuing to gather evidence.
Family Background: History of Domestic Issues
A GoFundMe page started by a family friend revealed that Fields’ wife — stepmother to the two boys — had previously filed for an emergency protection order. She claimed that there had been domestic violence in the home since late 2024.
The emergency order was meant to protect:
- Herself
- Their 3-year-old son
- The two teenage boys
However, due to weather delays and scheduling issues, court hearings were postponed multiple times, with the next hearing scheduled for May 7 — just one week after the deadly fire.
Court Appearance and Bail
Fields appeared virtually in court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the arson charge. The judge set his bail at $2 million.
During the hearing, Fields asked:
“Is there any chance of me furloughing out for the kids’ funeral? I miss my boys.”
The prosecution objected to this request. However, the judge said Fields’ lawyer could file a formal motion to request temporary release for the funeral.
Fields is expected to appear in court again on May 13.