TikTok Couple Charged With Arson in Charleston Church Fire, October 7

Dakota Harper and Felicity Eatmon, a TikTok couple with 28,000 followers, face first-degree arson and conspiracy charges after a fire at an abandoned Charleston, West Virginia home on September 27. Surveillance video allegedly shows Eatmon handing Harper a burning piece of paper that was placed inside the vacant house. The blaze caused over $10,000 in damage to the adjacent Canaan United Methodist Church. Harper, 22, had his bond raised to $20,000 at a Monday hearing, with home confinement required if released.

What the surveillance video shows

According to the criminal complaint, security footage captured the pair in an adjacent alleyway before the fire. Eatmon can be seen providing Harper with what appears to be a piece of paper that was then lit on fire and placed inside the home. Shortly after, both were seen partially entering the vacant structure as the fire grew. Investigators said the video then shows Eatmon leaving the area, while Harper had already left the camera’s view.

Bond hearing and court developments

Harper appeared before Kanawha County Magistrate Court on Monday, October 5, for a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors successfully asked the judge to increase his bond from $10,000 to $20,000 and add home confinement as a condition of release. Harper appeared visibly emotional as the judge announced the higher bond. His attorney, Michael Carey, had requested Harper be released to a facility where he could receive care. Eatmon appeared in court Tuesday and waived her initial hearing. She remains held on a $10,000 bond.

The fire and damage

The fire was reported at 11:15 p.m. on September 27 at an abandoned home in the 400 block of Maryland Avenue on Charleston’s West Side. The house had no active utilities. The Canaan United Methodist Church, located adjacent to the property, sustained damage estimated at over $10,000. Both suspects were arrested on September 29 and arraigned two days later. No motive has been publicly established.

Social media presence and background

Harper and Eatmon operated a joint TikTok account with approximately 28,000 followers, where they posted videos about their relationship and daily life. According to court records, Harper stands 3 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 43 pounds. Eatmon is 5 feet, 1 inch tall. Eatmon referred to Harper as her fiancé in their social media videos. Both remain in South Central Regional Jail. The allegations against them have not been proven in court, and both are presumed innocent.

Final Thoughts

Harper and Eatmon remain jailed on separate bonds pending trial on first-degree arson charges. The case has drawn widespread attention due to their social media following and the visible courtroom moments. No trial date has been set.

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