Arson Charges Linked to Insurance Fraud Case in Lakewood, WA
A fire at a car repair facility in Lakewood, Washington, has led to significant legal proceedings after being deemed arson. Pierce County prosecutors have charged Jhamaul Wezley Alexander Thierry, 36, and Dante Lee Berry, 38, with first-degree arson and second-degree burglary related to the March 18, 2025, fire. Authorities claim the incident was orchestrated to collect insurance money for a damaged Italian sports car.
Defense attorneys for both Thierry and Berry maintain their clients' innocence. Berry's lawyer, Michael Stewart, stated that there is no substantial evidence linking Berry to the crime scene. He emphasized the absence of any proof of Berry's involvement in the alleged arson.
Court documents indicate that a silver 2017 Maserati, owned by Thierry's girlfriend, had been at the repair shop for ten days due to engine failure. The repair costs exceeded $30,000, and attempts to cover these expenses with an extended warranty failed due to inadequate maintenance records. Consequently, insurance claims were denied on March 18, prompting plans to move the car the following day.
Surveillance and Evidence
Footage from surveillance cameras reportedly shows an individual attempting to access the auto shop around 10:15 p.m., later returning at 11:45 p.m. The suspect allegedly used incendiary devices to ignite both the Maserati and a nearby Range Rover, causing an extensive fire that devastated the vehicles and filled the building with smoke.
Investigators connected Thierry and Berry to the scene through video evidence, license plate recognition, and cell phone records. Allegedly, Berry's vehicle facilitated Thierry's travel to and from the site. Additionally, a Chevy Impala associated with Thierry was spotted near the location on the morning prior to the fire, ostensibly surveying the area.
Authorities identified a white BMW sedan linked to the crime, registered to an individual with a criminal background. This vehicle was stopped by police in Tacoma, with Berry as the driver, and was subsequently impounded. A sledgehammer, resembling one seen in surveillance footage, was found during a search.
Following the issuance of bench warrants, Berry and Thierry faced arraignment in Pierce County Superior Court. Berry was arraigned on February 17 and released on bond, under home monitoring. Thierry appeared on February 20, with bail set at $125,000, released on bond as well. Both have prior felony convictions, including offenses like drug distribution and theft, adding complexity to the insurance claim discussions.