Witchcraft in Wisconsin? Police Say Woman Gives Strange Arson Defense

A Wisconsin woman, who was arrested for allegedly starting a fire in her apartment in December 2024, has given an unusual explanation for the blaze: witchcraft. According to jail records, Milwaukee resident Charmilia Jeffries was arrested on Dec. 21, 2024. She faces one felony charge of arson of a building without the owner’s consent for allegedly starting a fire in an apartment.

‘Suspicious’ Smoke Detectors

According to a criminal complaint, Jeffries, 36, had told her son to remove the smoke detectors from their apartment. She explained she thought the detectors were suspicious and didn’t want them in her unit. Once the fire broke out in her apartment, first responders arrived and were able to put out the fire. No one was injured, according to Milwaukee TV station WISN.

‘Witchcraft Traps’

Jeffries also reportedly made a strange statement to authorities, telling detectives that someone had been placing “witchcraft traps” in her home and referred to the person or people responsible as “they.” According to WISN, she told authorities, “It is a satanic, um, ritual that they do, they do around these times. They been sitting me up, putting witchcraft traps around my house,” as reported by PEOPLE.

Possible Mental Health Issue

Jeffries was arrested on the same day as the apartment fire, Dec. 21, 2024, according to jail records. She is currently being held at the Milwaukee County Jail with a $7,500 cash bail. Jail records show, “the court is advised by the defense there is reason to believe the defendant is not competent to proceed,” according to KFOX 14. The records also reveal that the case has been moved to the Mental Health Docket Calendar.

The case involving Jeffries remains under investigation. As the legal process continues, Jeffries is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 24, 2025, while the authorities work to gather more information about the fire and the unusual claims she made.

References: ‘Witchcraft Traps’ and ‘Satanic’ Rituals: Woman Allegedly Explains How Fire Was Set to Her Wisconsin Apartment | Wisconsin Woman Charged With Arson Claims Fire Was Part of Satanic Ritual | Milwaukee woman charged with arson claims fire was part of ‘satanic ritual’