Group home residents struggle after arson

FLOYD COUNTY, Ga. - Floyd County firefighters are searching for an arsonist who set a home for developmentally disabled adults on fire.

Caretakers for the four young men who live there are having a tough time finding a temporary home for them.

Charles Schroeder, whose son lives in the home, showed FOX 5 News the badly damaged home. Schroeder said they got in through the kitchen window and then two different areas in the home.

Firefighters have ruled the blaze arson because two fires were set in separate rooms, including the one where Mr. Schroeder’s son sleeps.

Fortunately, he and the others were away the night of the fire in mid-October.

“Somebody did this and they need to be found for our peace of mind and the community,” said Schroeder.

Floyd County arson investigators said someone set the pine straw outside the home on fire in early October with the residents inside. Investigators are focused on finding the fire starter before a third blaze occurs.

“That’s what they tell us that a lot of times people that commit a crime like this start at a very small level than build up to it,” said Schroeder.

The four men, who live in the home, were visiting the home of the grandfather of one of them which is located next door to their burned home.

“Don't do it again. No more, no more,” said Andy Taylor, one of the residents, on what he would tell the arsonist.

Their home is known as DIGS, developing independence growth and security. But it’s tough for the group to live up to the acronym right now. They’re staying in a hotel as their caretakers try to find a suitable temporary rental home that fulfills stringent safety standards for a home for adults with developmental disabilities.

“They still have a level that they have to maintain to know that they are not putting these four men under more danger,” said Schroeder.

He said it’ll be several months before the four are able to return to a refurbished home, set ablaze by someone he believes deserves forgiveness and justice.

“We have to pray for him but also pray that he's caught,” said Schroeder.

Floyd County arson investigators are asking anyone with any information on this deliberately set blaze to give them a call. There could be a $10,000 reward involved.