Man Charged with Murder-Arson After Girlfriend's Death in Mobile Home Fire

Randall Buchanan arrested for killing his girlfriend Bonnie Arnold in a fire at their Indianapolis mobile home

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Randall Buchanan, 54, has been formally charged with murder and arson resulting in serious bodily injury after a fire at his mobile home in Indianapolis resulted in the death of his girlfriend, 59-year-old Bonnie Arnold. Police say Buchanan admitted to starting the fire after an argument, and that the couple had a history of frequent fights and Buchanan's meth use.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and substance abuse, which can have deadly consequences. It also raises questions about how to better address and prevent such incidents within mobile home communities, which can be isolated and lack resources for residents facing these challenges.

The details

According to the police affidavit, firefighters responded to a call about a mobile home fire with entrapment on February 25th. They found the fire had self-extinguished, originating from the living room couch. Arnold was found deceased in the bedroom, with soot in her airways indicating she likely died from smoke inhalation while trying to escape. Buchanan was later found nearby, with soot on his hands, and admitted to starting the fire after an argument with Arnold, saying he was "jealous and angry" and had used meth shortly before. Buchanan and Arnold had a history of frequent fights, with their roommate saying the noise kept them up at night.

  • On February 25, firefighters responded to a call about a mobile home fire with entrapment around 8:30 AM.
  • Buchanan was arrested on February 25 in connection with Arnold's death.
  • Buchanan appeared in court for an initial hearing on March 3, with a jury trial tentatively set for April 20.

The players

Randall Buchanan

A 54-year-old man who has been charged with murder and arson resulting in serious bodily injury for the death of his girlfriend, Bonnie Arnold, in a mobile home fire.

Bonnie Arnold

A 59-year-old woman who died in a mobile home fire, with the medical examiner determining she likely died from smoke inhalation while trying to escape.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Indianapolis.”

— Robert Jenkins, Indianapolis Resident (WISHTV.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 10 whether or not to allow Randall Buchanan out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for greater resources and support to address domestic violence and substance abuse issues within mobile home communities, where isolation and lack of services can exacerbate these problems and lead to devastating consequences.