Police Department

House Fire with Serious Injuries

Julie Humphreys, Communications Manager, 509.625.5868

Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 1:43 p.m.

Update 4/7/23:

SPD apprehends a woman wanted for attempted murder in arson case

On 4/7/23 members of SPD’s Special Investigative Unit (SIU), the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) and SWAT surrounded a home on the 3000 block of North Nelson on a warrant for a dangerous subject. Officers were acting on a tip to Major Crimes detectives from a vigilant community member as to the whereabouts of the subject.

Officers confirmed that Jennifer K. Barden (36) was in the home. Barden was wanted for starting a fire that seriously injured one person, endangered 5 others and killed multiple pets last month.

When police arrived at the home, Barden surrendered promptly and was taken into custody without incident. She was booked into the Spokane County Jail this afternoon where she faces one count of 1^st Degree Attempted Murder, 6 counts of 1^st Degree Assault, and one count of 1^st Degree Arson.

Update 3/24/23:

Arson suspect faces additional charges including attempted murder

SPD Major Crimes detectives have added additional charges in an arson fire yesterday that seriously injured one person, endangered others living in the house - including a 3 month-old baby, and killed multiple family pets.

The suspect, Jenny K. Barden, is now facing one count of 1^st Degree Attempted Murder and 6 counts of 1^st Degree Assault in addition to one count of 1^st Degree Arson.

Barden remains at large and anyone with knowledge about her whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately via 911 or Detective Downing at wdowning@spokanepolice.org.

Update 3/23/23:

Suspect sought in arson incident

SPD’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives have developed probable cause to arrest 36-year-old Jenny (Jennifer) K. Barden for 1^st Degree Arson stemming from this morning’s house fire. Barden’s whereabouts are currently unknown.

Barden is a white female, approximately 5’2, and 120lbs (pictures attached). The nature of Barden’s alleged criminal conduct indicates she presents a danger to the public.

Anyone with knowledge regarding the current whereabouts of Barden is urged to call 911 immediately, reference incident 2023-20054303. Individuals with other information related to the investigation are asked to contact Detective Downing at wdowning@spokanepolice.org

Original Release 3/23/23:

SPD, SFD respond to suspicious fire, one person injured

On 03-23-23, around 8:30AM, SPD and SFD units responded to a house fire in the 3900 block of N. Wall St. Initial information indicates an occupant was trapped inside the dwelling and that the fire may have been intentionally set.

Fire crews arrived on scene and discovered an active fire. They immediately commenced rescue operations and were able to remove an adult from the residence. That victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The investigation is in its preliminary stages, and the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire have not been definitively concluded. Spokane Police Major Crimes Unit (MCU) detectives are actively investigating, along with fire investigators from SFD.

N Wall from Garland to Walton remains closed as the investigation continues.

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