Video footage leads to arson charge in deadly St. Joseph house fire; bond denied
A St. Joseph woman is jailed on no bond after being charged with setting a fire that injured four and caused the death of a 77-year-old man.
Tanetta E. Smith, born in 1994, is being held in the Buchanan County jail and is charged with first-degree arson, injury or death. Bond was denied, according to an online court database. An entry in her docket said “security level being raised.”
Smith’s arrest Wednesday came a week after the deadly fire. Police and fire personnel responded to the 800 block of North 10th Street in St. Joseph on March 11 for an intentional structure fire, according to a court affidavit explaining the charge against Smith.
“As a result of the fire several people sustained injuries including a St. Joseph Police Sergeant attempting to help the residents,” the affidavit said.
Firefighters found the victim — later identified as Ora Schroff — at the top of the residence’s stairwell, records show.
“He had apparent injuries from the fire that cause(d) his death including significant charring to his body,” the affidavit said.
Occupants of the home told authorities that Smith started the fire, records show. Officers were able to find video footage from the area around the home which showed “various aspects of the fire being set,” the affidavit said.
“The videos show Smith setting the fire and leaving the scene walking ultimately south on 10th street to Taco Bell where she is clearly identified as she looks at the camera,” the document said.
It further stated that “Smith is homeless and has no known family in St. Joseph except for her brother who is in custody,” on unrelated charges.
“She advised she has been living in a tent for years,” the document said.
According to Schroff’s obituary, he was a Vietnam veteran and served in the Army from July 1969 to July 1981.
“Ora loved fishing and camping, especially at Rochester Falls,” his obituary said. “He also liked to relax with a good Western or movie on TV.
“He was a determined, very up-front person who, underneath it all, had a strong love and loyalty for his family.”
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 12:27 PM.
