Four Charged in "Big Mac Bridge" Fire, $1M Bond Set for Two

Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty

Four people appeared in court Wednesday morning following the massive fire that severely damaged the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge aka the “Big Mac Bridge”.

James Hamilton, Terry Stiles, Zachary Stumpf, and Kaitlen Hall were charged in connection with the November 1st fire that engulfed the 1000 Hands Playground in Sawyer Point Park underneath the bridge. Authorities clarified that none of the individuals are homeless, debunking any encampment rumors.

Stumpf (23) and Stiles (39) face aggravated arson charges, with video evidence and witness accounts implicating them. Court documents allege that Stumpf started a fire on the playground, while Stiles lit another fire nearby. Both men are being held on $1 million bonds and are expected in court on December 17th. Stiles is being described as a “public safety risk” with a history of violent offenses. He was restrained in a chair and fitted with a spit mask after causing disruptions during his arraignment.

Hall (24) and Hamilton (26) face obstruction of justice charges. Both allegedly misled investigators about Stumpf and Stiles during the arson questioning. They are being held on $60,000 bonds and are due back in court on December 20th. Court records indicate Hall denied knowing Stumpf’s last name despite being friends with him for over six years.

The fire caused severe structural damage to the bridge, warping steel beams and leading to closures and repairs. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) estimates the total repair cost at $10 million. Crews have completed most of the demolition, including removing the concrete deck and damaged steel.

Repairs to the northbound lanes are expected to finish by year-end. Southbound lanes will remain closed until at least March, which is dependent on the delivery of custom-made steel beams. Governor Mike DeWine‘s emergency declaration enabled ODOT to seek federal reimbursement for repair costs.

A tow truck driver on the bridge at the time has been identified as a victim, though it is unknown whether he was a target or just collateral damage.

Terry Stiles has a history of violent offenses, including an eight-year prison sentence for a 2005 assault on an infant who later died in 2019. Charges related to the child’s death were dismissed.

The fire has significantly disrupted traffic in the downtown, Mt. Adams, and NKY areas causing gridlock and economic losses for local businesses.