Neighborhood feud results
in arson of family’s prize-winning garden, arrest
By John LeForest, THG News
Loogootee, Indiana—In a scene reminiscent of the legendary feud between the
Hatfields and McCoys, a man’s prize-winning garden was devastated by fire
Saturday when an unsettled disagreement erupted into arson.
Mitchell P. Green is being held in the Martin County jail after admitting he
used twenty gallons of gasoline to set fire to neighbor Jim Byard’s yard,
destroying over an acre and a half of landscaping. Byard’s yard had won first
place in the prestigious Gorgeous Garden’s of Loogootee contest each of the past
three Augusts, and was a favorite to take a fourth trophy again this year. That
is until Green set fire to it, making it a virtual wasteland.
Neighbors who witnessed the arson said that Green and Byard had been friends for
years until this April. Apparently Green became angry when a used riding
lawnmower he bought from Byard for $400 began malfunctioning and became useless
after only two cuttings. Byard would not refund Green’s money, claiming the
mower was in good working condition when sold to Green.
Amy Green, Mitchell’s wife, said the final straw that sent her husband over the
edge occurred Thursday, when the city fined Green $100 for breaking an ordinance
that states that all citizens must not let their grass grow in excess of ten
inches long. “The grass would have never been that long if we had a mower that
worked. We couldn’t afford to get it fixed. Mitch was sure that it was Jimmy (Byard)
that called the city on us for the grass being so tall,” added Mrs. Green.
Byard is still in shock over the whole incident. “You live next to someone for
years and think you know them, then they do something like this. I have worked
on that garden for years; it was my pride and joy. I don’t know how I am going
to clean up this mess.”
Byard plans to file both criminal and civil suits against Green. If convicted of
arson, a Class B felony, Green faces 6-20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in
fines.
