Indiana Man Charged With Arson After Cutting Off His Penis and Setting It on Fire

A Fort Wayne, Indiana, man is facing an arson charge after authorities say he cut off his own genitals with a kitchen knife, then set the severed body part on fire inside his family's garage.

Christopher Peden, 36, was charged with one count of arson, which carries a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison, according to court documents obtained by multiple outlets. The Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to a fire at a detached garage on May 6, around the same time police were separately responding to a reported stabbing nearby.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to a probable cause affidavit, the garage's property owners told authorities a neighbor had alerted them to the fire, and they realized a family member, Peden, was missing. Around the same time, Fort Wayne police encountered a man who had been injured and was later identified as Peden. He told officers he had been stabbed in downtown Fort Wayne and said he had been threatened the previous day.

While being taken to the hospital, Peden told an officer that his earlier account wasn't true, saying he had been "dishonest" and "wanted to be truthful." He then told investigators he had gone into the garage around 2 a.m. and used a kitchen knife to cut off his penis, according to court documents. He said he subsequently poured gasoline on the severed genitals and set them on fire "on the floor of the garage just inside the door," before leaving the scene and later encountering police.

Investigators recovered a gasoline container and four lighters at the scene, along with a kitchen knife. Court records reviewed by outlets do not indicate whether the remains were located.

What Happens Next

Peden was being held on a $10,000 bond, according to court documents, and is expected to appear in court next week to set dates for trial.

Authorities have not publicly detailed what may have led to the act of genital mutilation, and no additional context about Peden's mental health has been made public.

Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.