Locust Grove Family's Home Destroyed By Fire, Woman Arrested For Arson

A Mayes County woman is accused of setting a home on fire in Locust Grove.

The family of 12 who lived in the home is trying to figure out what to do now.

Little remains of Ladena Anderson’s home on North Broadway after the devastating fire on September 17th.  Parts of the roof collapsed, and the only things holding the remains up are charred beams.

“I was on my way back from picking my son up from work and I got a phone call that my home was on fire,” said Anderson.  “When we got to it, the roof had already collapsed.”

Police arrested Alicia Willhite for second-degree arson.  They say she was found the day of the fire, just blocks away.

Officers say the Fire Marshal’s investigation is ongoing, trying to get more information.

Anderson says she knew Willhite well, but she never thought she would be the one responsible.

“She admitted to it.  Why?  We don’t know,” said Anderson.  “She had been a guest in my house for almost a year.”

Twelve family members lived inside the home, including seven small children.

Thankfully, no one was at home at the time.

The family says that now, with no place to call home, they’re relying on family and faith to get them through.

“We are planning on rebuilding, one way or another,” stated Anderson.  “Only God knows how we’re going to get it done, but it’s going to be done, one way or another.  I have to for my grandkids.”

If you would like to help, the family has set up a GoFundMe.