COLUMBIA, MO — Brandon Butchkoski, 47, faces murder and arson charges after allegedly setting Donovan Baylis, 31, ablaze on his own porch, leading to fatal injuries. The incident occurred on June 15 shortly before midnight at a residence on Paris Road.
According to court documents, multiple residents reported a series of fires at the same location. Police suspect Butchkoski is linked to at least three fire incidents, which involved the use of backpacks filled with accelerants.
On the night of the incident, Baylis reportedly went outside to extinguish a fire on the porch, which had been ignited by Butchkoski. Witnesses stated that Baylis became engulfed in flames while attempting to put out the fire.
Another resident described hearing and seeing Baylis on fire and intervened using a garden hose. The court documents indicate that Baylis sat on a retaining wall before collapsing.
Witnesses reported a gas can was positioned on the porch railing at the time of the fire. Butchkoski allegedly fled the scene on a BMX-style bike.
On June 29, Butchkoski returned to the residence and allegedly started another fire by throwing an accelerant-filled backpack onto the roof. He was arrested on July 3, initially charged with arson.
Additional charges were filed after Baylis died from his injuries on July 14. Prosecutors charged Butchkoski last week with second-degree murder and first-degree arson. He is currently in custody awaiting his court date.
Butchkoski has a history of legal troubles, including several drug arrests and charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.