A New York couple has been arrested after police said they intentionally started a fire inside their own home while their five children were still inside the residence. Authorities allege the pair had been drinking before the incident and appeared intoxicated when emergency responders arrived.
Dale Oneal, 49, and Aubree Oneal, 47, were taken into custody following the incident at their home in Minoa, New York. They are being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center and face several felony charges, including arson, reckless endangerment, conspiracy, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Fire Reported at Minoa Home
According to investigators, first responders were called to the family’s home on the night of July 18 after receiving reports of a house fire. By the time police officers and firefighters arrived, the flames had already been put out.
While speaking with the homeowners, officers reportedly observed that both Dale and Aubree Oneal appeared to be intoxicated.
Police confirmed that all five children, who are under the age of 17, were able to escape the house safely and were not physically injured.
Investigation Points to Intentional Fire
After investigating the scene, authorities determined that the fire originated on the second floor of the home and concluded that the couple had intentionally caused it.
According to local reports, the couple had been drinking before the incident. Investigators allege that Dale Oneal poured gasoline onto the floor inside the home, after which Aubree Oneal used a lighter to ignite the fuel.
Police said both parents were aware that all five of their children were inside the house when the fire was started.
Statement Made to Investigators
According to police, Aubree Oneal claimed she did not believe the gasoline would ignite.
Investigators also said she allegedly remarked, “It’s not an arson if nothing burned down.”
Although the fire did not spread extensively, authorities reported that it caused minor damage to the residence.
Children Placed With Relatives
Despite the dangerous situation, none of the children suffered injuries. Following the incident, officials placed all five children in the care of relatives while the criminal case proceeds.
Multiple Charges Filed
Both Dale and Aubree Oneal have each been charged with:
- Arson
- Reckless endangerment
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Conspiracy
Authorities allege their actions placed the lives of all five children at serious risk, even though the fire was extinguished before causing major destruction.
Couple Remains in Custody
The Oneals remain jailed at the Onondaga County Justice Center.
Each is being held on $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash bail. They are scheduled to appear in Manlius Town Court on July 24 to face the charges related to the incident.
