NJ teens accused of setting raging wildfire told cops Mexicans started it

[BeyondGeography]

The two New Jersey teenagers accused of setting the devastating Jones Road Wildfire that has scorched more than 15,000 acres initially blamed the blaze on Mexicans, according to authorities.

Joseph Kling (pictured), 19, and his 17-year-old co-defendant both allegedly lied to cops when they were interviewed about the Ocean Count conflagration, and their potential connection to it. Ultimately, investigators were able to determine Kling and his unnamed teen accomplice allegedly deliberately set wooden pallets ablaze April 22, then walking away.

Both Kling and the teen “gave misinformation to law enforcement about how the fire started.” They both blamed the fire on Mexicans they said they’d seen in the woods just before the blaze began, reported the Asbury Park Press. Both defendants are being held in police custody.

…Kling is charged with aggravated arson, arson, and hindering apprehension. The Asbury Park Press reported that investigators searched the suspect’s phones, and found chats that “refute the claim that Mexicans started the fire,” prosecutors said in court Friday.

More at https://nypost.com/2025/05/03/us-news/nj-arsonist-told-cops-jones-road-wildfire-started-by-mexicans/

[Takket]

1. well, it's a bold move. i'm honestly surprised it didn't work

[BeerBarrelPolka]

2. Chumlee

[MagickMuffin]

3. Of course they did, magaloongoon mentality blame others for your actions

Why take the blame for something your guilty of.


I noticed there isn’t any charge for lying about what happened. Seems to me there should be charges for making a false statement to the enforcers.


I’m certainly glad they found the arsonists.

[stillcool]

4. hard to know what's legal these days

guess it depends on who's doing the lying