KPD Arrests Suspect in Arson Investigation at Carver Courts
On January 22, 2026, at approximately 8:09 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s A-Squad were requested to assist the Kinston Fire Department with a vehicle fire in the parking lot of Carver Courts.
Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle owner inside the vehicle attempting to retrieve personal belongings. Kinston Fire Department personnel responded and successfully extinguished the fire.
Following the incident, officers, with assistance from KPD’s Investigations Division, determined the fire was intentionally set and identified two former domestic partners of the victim as suspects.
Investigators identified 36-year-old Holly Richards and 25-year-old Ashley Baker as the individuals responsible. Richards was located and taken into custody and charged with the following offenses:
• Felony Conspiracy
• Burning Personal Property
• Littering Hazardous Waste
Richardson was placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a secured bond.
Officers have been unable to locate Ashley Baker. Warrants have been obtained for her arrest on the following charges:
• Burning Personal Property (Felony)
• Felony Conspiracy
• Littering (Felony)
• Burn Without a Watchman (Misdemeanor)
If anyone has information regarding her whereabouts, please contact the Kinston Police Department at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444. Tips may be provided anonymously.
Do not attempt to contact or apprehend this individual yourself.
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