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Investigator: Owner Burned New Port Richey Home

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By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - On the evening of July 17, a fire started inside a closet in the master bedroom of a Rosewood at River Ridge home, spreading to the bedroom and through much of the house.

Jean Baricko

In the end, the flames, heat and smoke did about $100,000 damage to the home at 7916 Roundelay Drive, according to the fire investigator.

After eliminating the possibility of accidental causes, Pasco County fire investigator Donald Campbell narrowed it to one source: "human hands," according to an arrest affidavit. Those hands, Campbell learned, belonged to homeowner Jean Baricko, 60, who is estranged from her husband, David, according to the report.

Baricko was arrested on an arson charge Tuesday at a home near hers. She was released from Land O' Lakes jail after posting $20,000 bail.

Baricko told investigators her estrangement from her husband had been amicable.

Authorities, however, learned there had been several domestic disputes before the fire, according to a report. Days after the fire, Baricko was arrested on a charge of aggravated assault, accused of firing a handgun at her husband.

The couple have not filed for divorce, according to court records.

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