Indiana arson suspect allegedly cut off genitals with kitchen knife and used gasoline to set it ablaze in garage

By WILKO MARTÍNEZ-CACHERO, US REPORTER Published: 03:15, 9 July 2026 | Updated: 03:16, 9 July 2026 An arson case in Indiana took a stunning twist when authorities claimed the suspect had admitted to cutting off his own genitals before setting them ablaze. Christopher Peden, 36, initially told Fort Wayne police on May 6 that he had been stabbed, according to court documents obtained by FOX59. But authorities alleged that Peden later acknowledged the story he had told them was not true, per the affidavit cited by the outlet. Instead, Peden allegedly informed law enforcement that he had gone into a detached garage and 'harmed himself.' Peden said he had done this by 'cutting off his penis' with a kitchen knife, the reported court documents added. He then allegedly poured gasoline on it and 'set it on fire on the floor of the garage just inside the door' around 2am. The Fort Wayne Fire Department had been called that day to investigate a fire at the garage. Around the same time, police were responding to a stabbing, according to the reported affidavit. Christopher Peden, 36, was charged with felony arson after he allegedly cut off his own genitals and set them on fire in his family's detached garage The Fort Wayne Fire Department was called to investigate a fire at the garage that Peden later allegedly admitted to starting himself after 'cutting off' his genitals The property was owned by Peden's mother, according to court documents cited by The Smoking Gun. His brother David also lived there.  David said a neighbor had woken him up and told him the detached garage, which did not have electrical power, was on fire.  At that point, they realized Peden was missing. Officers later encountered Peden, who was injured at the time, according to court documents. As he was being taken to a hospital, Peden allegedly claimed he had been stabbed in downtown Fort Wayne. He also told law enforcement he had been threatened the day before, per the reported filing. But later, Peden had a sudden U–turn, as he told investigators that he had been 'dishonest' and 'wanted to be truthful' with them. His alleged admission appeared to tie the reported stabbing with the garage fire. Peden's address was listed in the 800 block of Northwood Boulevard in court records. Court documents alleged that Peden originally told police that he had been stabbed in downtown Fort Wayne Indiana court records viewed by the Daily Mail said that Peden lived at a home in the 800 block of Northwood Boulevard Investigators recovered evidence from the garage after Peden's shocking admission, per the reported affidavit. Those items included a red plastic gas container, four BIC lighters and a kitchen knife. However, court records did not indicate whether Peden's genitals had been found or collected, according to WPTA. Peden allegedly told investigators he walked away from the garage after setting the fire. He has since been charged with arson, a Level 4 felony. If convicted, Peden could be sentenced to prison for up to 12 years. He entered a $10,000 surety bond on Tuesday, according to Indiana court records viewed by the Daily Mail. A hearing is scheduled for next Monday, court records added. The Daily Mail has reached out to David Andrew Felts, who is listed as Peden's public defender, as well as the Allen County Prosecutor's Office, the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Fort Wayne Fire Department for comment.