A 21-year-old woman is behind bars after allegedly unleashing a terrifying fire inside a bustling Walmart on New Year’s Eve — by dousing baby cribs in camping fuel and igniting them in the middle of the store.
Authorities say Adilyn Monette walked into the Walmart at 1275 Lake Ave. in Woodstock, Illinois around 7:20 p.m. on December 31, when the store was reportedly packed with families doing last-minute holiday shopping.
She allegedly grabbed a can of camping fuel from the outdoor gear aisle, rolled her cart over to the baby section, and soaked several infant cribs in the flammable liquid. According to prosecutors, she returned for a second can of fuel, poured it on, struck a match, and walked away as flames erupted.
“Surveillance footage captured every move,” the Woodstock Police Department confirmed. “She didn’t hesitate. She lit the cribs on fire and exited the store.”
Walmart’s fire alarms triggered an emergency evacuation. Fire crews rushed to the scene and found flames tearing through the baby section. The store’s sprinkler system activated and managed to contain the blaze before it spread further, but the damage was already extensive.
Managers estimate more than $5 million in damages — a combination of destroyed merchandise and structural loss. The store is now temporarily closed.
“This could’ve ended in tragedy,” said McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese. “There were families, children, elderly shoppers. We’re incredibly fortunate no lives were lost.”
Monette was arrested shortly afterward when police tracked her through vehicle registration records. Authorities say she was located and taken into custody without incident.
Shockingly, Monette was already facing an arson charge in Colorado, where she had been released on supervised bond. That case is still pending.
“She was already under supervision for a similar offense,” Freese told reporters. “This raises serious concerns about her mental state and the level of threat she poses to the public.”
Prosecutors argued Monette should not be released this time — and the judge agreed, ordering her held without bail during her initial court appearance on Friday. She is scheduled to appear in court again on January 7.
Officials say there is still no clear motive for the New Year’s Eve attack.
“She didn’t know anyone in the store. This appears to be random and highly dangerous behavior,” said one investigator familiar with the case. “We’re continuing to explore all angles, including mental health concerns and prior criminal history.”
Walmart has not yet commented on the incident publicly but is reportedly cooperating fully with the investigation. The Woodstock location remains closed until further notice.
What the heck supervised bond ?? She should find a nice cozy prison cell 25 to 30 years. Oh her mental state?? Shes a threat where ever she is. Does someone or more die before shes jailed? Dear Jesus help us.
Democrats and liberals shut down most mental institutions because “they violated a person’s civil rights “. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost.
You are 100 % correct democrats is right I remember when during obummer’s reign in the white house they did this. As a retired nurse there are some people that need supervised mental institution. Happy New Year
Life in prison, but both states are run by equally criminally insane elected and appointed officials.