Denny Knight

Name:
Knight, Denny Ray

Date of Booking:
01/23/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
ARSON-1ST DEGREE – FEL

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On January 24, 2025, at approximately 0910 hrs, I responded to [600 BLOCK] Silver Hill Church Rd for a residential fire.

While enroute, Central Dispatch advised over the radio that the incident was arson and the suspect had left in a white Dodge Avenger. I did not encounter the vehicle as I continued to the residence. Upon arrival, I learned that the suspect was the homeowner’s son, Mr. Denny Knight, who had allegedly set the house on fire. Mrs. [VICTIM #1], his mother, was reportedly driving him in a white Dodge Dart to the Effingham County Jail so he could turn himself in.

Shortly after my arrival, dispatch advised that the male subject was in the Effingham County Jail lobby. While Effingham County Fire personnel worked to extinguish the fire, I heard gunshots from inside the residence. Fortunately, no one was injured, and Mr. [VICTIM #2] later confirmed there was a live ammunition cartridge present in the house.

Mr. [VICTIM #2] stated that his son, Denny, set the mattress in the master bedroom on fire, which is where he and Mrs. [VICTIM #1] sleep. According to Mr. [VICTIM #2], Denny lit the mattress, left the house without speaking, and went to his grandmother’s house, where his mother, Ms. [VICTIM #1], was located. Mr. [WITNESS #1], Denny’s brother, reported that although Denny had a long history with drugs, he and his father did not believe Denny was under the influence at the time. Mr. [VICTIM #2] added that Denny does hear voices, but it was unclear if the voices prompted him to set the fire.

The Effingham County Fire extinguished the fire and advised that my presence on the scene was no longer required. I provided Mr. [VICTIM #2] with a CRN and explained the procedure for obtaining a copy of this report.

[End of Narrative]