Harlan Woman Jailed After Fire At Apartment

From WRIL The Big One -

Marilyn Goldsberry - HCDC

On Sunday afternoon October 19, 2025, at 2:48pm, fire units from Loyall and Harlan responded to a call of an apartment fire at 401 Short Street.

According to the citation from Loyall Police Chief Charles Bailey, he was met at the residence by multiple people who stated that 53-year-old Marliyn Goldsberry had started the fire. Ms. Goldsberry admitted to the officer that she did set the fire "to save the children."

In a Loyall Police Department social media post, it was stated that Ms. Goldsberry also threatened a female with a knife.

The police chief also spoke with another individual on scene who said she had spoken with Ms. Goldsberry who claimed she was "gonna burn it all."

Marilyn Goldsberry was arrested and lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center charged with Arson - 1st degree. We understand most of the damage to the apartment was smoke related and no one was injured in the incident.

Chief Bailey stated in the post that Loyall Police Department was assisted by deputies of the Harlan County Sheriff's Department Kevin Davis and Wesley Witt.