Donna Jo Franklin allegedly told investigators, 'You can charge me now,' after police say she confessed to torching her ex-boyfriend's barn in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin — a structure she once dreamed would become their shared home.
Background
The incident occurred June 10 on North 8th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay, a small community roughly 45 miles northeast of Green Bay. Police and firefighters responded to the scene just before 9 p.m., finding the barn fully engulfed in flames, according to a press release from the Sturgeon Bay Police Department.
Fire officials determined the blaze was "suspicious" after investigating the origin on the north side of the structure — an area with no electrical boxes, raising immediate red flags for investigators.
The barn owner told police he and Franklin had recently ended their relationship. He explained that Franklin originally planned to move out June 14 but departed six days early on June 6, taking nearly all supplies and food from the property. The man said he told her to take whatever she wanted since most items belonged to her anyway.
When first interviewed by law enforcement, Franklin claimed she had simply visited the barn to enjoy nature, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Green Bay-based CBS affiliate WFRV. She provided an alibi placing herself at Culver's restaurant by evening's end.
The Charges
Franklin, 59, was arrested Monday and charged with one count of arson of a building without the owner's consent — enhanced because the victim is elderly, according to Door County court records reviewed by Law&Crime.
During a second interview on June 15, Franklin initially attempted to negotiate information with investigators, asking what they already knew. She then claimed she only visited briefly to borrow an extension cord and would never intentionally damage property where she had invested her own "blood and sweat."
The breakthrough came when investigators questioned her about items discarded at Culver's. After repeated questioning, Franklin allegedly said: 'You can charge me now, because you know what it was.' She later added: 'Just arrest me.'
Franklin confessed to using a red "flicker" — a decorative candle-style lighter — to ignite insulation paper inside the barn, according to the complaint. Once flames spread, she drove to Culver's and discarded the device.
Key Takeaways
- Franklin allegedly discovered text messages to another woman on her ex-boyfriend's phone before the breakup, which prosecutors say motivated the arson
- She told investigators the fire was meant to destroy a "dream" she no longer wanted her former partner to share with anyone else: 'If I cannot have the dream, then another woman is not going to get the dream either'
- The barn did not house animals and no one was present at the time of the blaze; no injuries were reported
- Franklin celebrated after the alleged arson by dining at Culver's before throwing away evidence of her crime
What's Next
Franklin remains in custody at Door County Jail. Her initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled, and a judge will determine bail conditions at that proceeding. Prosecutors have indicated they intend to pursue the enhanced penalty given the victim's age designation.
The case is being handled by Door County Circuit Court, with the State of Wisconsin listed as the prosecuting entity.