Suspected serial arsonist named Burnside charged with armed robbery hours after leaving jail
Share and Follow

A serial arson suspect, who a New York judge freed without bail Monday, ignited a new investigation less than two hours later on armed robbery charges, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Amanda Burnside, a Southampton woman who was accused of lighting fires at three houses, was released on her own recognizance despite prosecutors’ request that the judge set bail at $500,000 or $1 million bond. 

A judge ordered her to report for supervised release within 72 hours.

HOLLYWOOD HEADLESS TORSO SUSPECT SAM HASKELL ‘PARANOID’ WEEKS BEFORE BODY FOUND IN DUMPSTER, FRIEND SAYS

Amanda Burnside mugshot inset over burning house

Serial arson suspect Amanda Burnside was arrested on armed robbery charges less than two hours after a New York judge released her without bail Monday, according to prosecutors. (Suffolk County Sheriffs Office, iStock)

Instead, according to authorities, she waited less than two hours before she acquired a knife, went into a Dollar Tree store and tried to rob it.

The fiasco prompted District Attorney Ray Tierney, the lead prosecutor in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, to blast the state’s bail laws.

“Clearly, the dangerousness of this defendant, who allegedly tried to ignite three homes on fire, was not adequately considered, given that within two hours of her arraignment, she allegedly committed another serious, violent felony,” Tierney said Monday night.

Dollar Tree Store

Amanda Burnside allegedly attempted to rob a Dollar Tree store in New York. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

GILGO BEACH SUSPECT’S CHEEK SWAB DNA MATCHES PIZZA BOX SAMPLE: PROSECUTOR

“Furthermore, the danger that this defendant posed to society could never be adequately considered insofar as dangerousness is not a bail factor that judges can consider under New York State law.”

New York’s unpopular bail reform laws have been a thorny issue for Democrats in the state and local jurisdictions.

Suffolk County Republican Ed Romaine will become the first GOP county executive in 20 years after last week’s election win.

He campaigned relentlessly against soft-on-crime policies, and ads supporting his campaign bluntly told county residents, “We don’t need another liberal.”

Republicans now control all countywide seats in Suffolk and Nassau counties – two large suburbs east of New York City – and all four congressional seats in the region.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Officers under investigation in Charles Faggart's death reassigned

Police Officers Involved in Charles Faggart’s Death Moved to Different Roles

Charles Faggart’s mother demands accountability after officers involved in his death at…
88 children removed from Iowa church camp in abuse probe

Investigation leads to the removal of 88 children from Iowa church camp due to abuse concerns

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa (WJW) Authorities in Iowa said 88 children were taken…
Husband of Suzanne Morphew indicted on murder charge 5 years after she vanished on Mother's Day

Suzanne Morphew’s husband indicted on murder charge 5 years after her disappearance on Mother’s Day

The 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is planning a press conference for…
Gabrielle Union reveals the 'stupid' purchase she made with her first big paycheck

Gabrielle Union shares the ‘regrettable’ purchase she made with her first major earnings

Gabrielle Union candidly revealed she spent her first big paycheck on a…
With Extreme Heat Warning in effect for Cook County, temperature rising Autumn Ridge Apartments in Park Forest without AC

“Avoiding Extreme Heat: Temperature Soaring at Autumn Ridge Apartments in Park Forest Due to Lack of AC”

PARK FOREST, Ill. (WLS) — Heading into a heat wave, one suburban…
Chef Anne Burrell's death investigated as possible drug overdose, law enforcement officials say

Investigation Launched on Chef Anne Burrell’s Possible Drug Overdose, Say Law Enforcement Officials

NEW YORK — A law enforcement official says Chef Anne Burrell’s death…
Bowling coach messaged girl before murder-suicide, dad says

A bowling coach sent messages to a girl before a tragic incident, according to her father.

A bowling coach from Michigan is accused by the father of a…