Two people are charged in the arson of a Kennett restaurant. According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain, Crystal Umfress of Columbia and Kerry Raymond of Gideon are charged with second degree arson in the July fire at Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant.
According to a probable cause statement, a witness was identified during the investigation by Kennett Police who said Umfrees met her in Cape Girardeau and gave her $1,000 to burn the business. Later another $485 was paid through Cash App.
The witness stated she and Raymond drove to Kennett, where he allegedly went in to start the fire.
Raymond is in the DCJC, held on a $65,000 cash only bond. He was arraigned Tuesday and will be back in court October 3.
At last word, Umfress had not yet been arrested. According to KMIZ in Columbia, she is the co-owner there of Casa Maria’s Cantina.
Up to a $10,000 reward had been offered for information that led to an arrest and conviction of those responsible for the arson.