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Ambien Defense: Accused Arsonist Says Sleep Aid May Be Factor In Crime

Posted: 12:15 pm EDT June 2, 2006Updated: 10:13 am EDT June 6, 2006

The woman accused of setting fires in the Dilworth community was in court Friday.

Susan Davidson has been charged with setting four fires. There were 15 arsons suspected in the neighborhood, including one at Davidson's house.

In court, Davidson said she is not to blame for the fires. Her lawyer said she has been taking the prescription sleep aid, Ambien, periodically for the past several years. He said that may have been a factor in the crime.

Davidson told detectives "I don't know why I did it, I guess I'm just a fruitcake".

The judge refused to lower Davidson's bond.

According to the search warrant, the following led investigators to Davidson:

  • A jar used to set the fires that had her palm print on it.
  • Some partially burned paper towels investigators pulled out of her trash. These apparently matched those used to set one of the fires.
  • Her own words. She told investigators that she'd heard cooking oil was used to start the fires before detectives found any oil.
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