Man arrested for burning down Colleton County home leaving one injured, parrot dead

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Deputies in Colleton County arrested a man Tuesday for setting a home on fire in 2023, resulting in one person being injured and killing a parrot.

Colleton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division arrested 23-year-old Brian D. Jetter of Pennsylvania. Jetter is charged with arson in the first degree and cruelty to animals.

On June 19, 2023, the victim woke up to his Green Pond home being on fire in the early morning hours after hearing glass breaking, the sheriff’s office said.

The man attempted to save his 28-year-old parrot, Grey Bird, who was also in the home. However, the parrot was overcome by the flames and died.

The male victim received serious injuries, including second-degree burns, Colleton County Fire-Rescue said at the time.

Authorities said the man had to run about half a mile to the Balchem plant to get help. It took fire crews several hours to extinguish the flames.

The victim was taken to Colleton Medical before being airlifted to the Still Burn Center at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta.

Jetter is currently booked at the Colleton County Detention Center.