# REOPENED: A is for Arson

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cold-case-files-889639/reopened-a-is-for-arson
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/cold-case-files-889639/reopened-a-is-for-arson.md
Podcast: [Cold Case Files](https://stenobird.com/podcast/cold-case-files-889639)
Published: 2026-05-07T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/prfx.byspotify.com/e/claritaspod.com/measure/arttrk.com/p/PDPN1/pscrb.fm/rss/p/rss.art19.com/episodes/6fc622c2-6443-44cd-92a4-899d872d0042.mp3?rss_browser=BAhJIg90cmFuc2NyaWJyBjoGRVQ%3D--952c5701c84ad333c69d5faa668f8177091704f0
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/cold-case-files-889639/episodes/reopened-a-is-for-arson
Duration seconds: 2679

## Resource

A decades-old investigation into the arson death of firefighter Gary Parks reaches a breakthrough. After years of dead ends, a detective's chance encounter with a petty criminal leads to a jailhouse confession.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The investigation shifted from a routine fire to a homicide investigation after arson was confirmed
- Failure mode: Initial suspicion of a serial arsonist named Paul Keller fell apart when his patterns didn't match the college library fire
- Practical takeaway: Persistence in cold case investigations can lead to breakthroughs through unexpected, chance encounters in local jails
- Main idea: A jailhouse confession from Elmer Nash provided the definitive link needed to solve the 1987 case
- Emotional impact: The resolution brought a complex mix of justice, heavy sentencing debates, and eventual forgiveness for the perpetrator's family

## Topics

Arson, Cold Case, Firefighter, Criminal Investigation, Everett Washington, Police Detective, Justice, Confession

## Chapters
- 1:10 — The 1987 Inferno: An early morning fire breaks out at Everett Community College, leading to a desperate rescue attempt.
- 4:30 — A Hero's Final Moments: Firefighter Gary Parks enters the burning building, facing a life-threatening situation as oxygen levels deplete.
- 7:50 — A Family's Loss: The personal impact of the tragedy on Gary's wife, Kathy, and their children.
- 14:00 — The Investigation Begins: Detectives examine the scene and investigate potential suspects linked to the building's security.
- 17:30 — The Serial Arsonist Theory: Police investigate a connection between the college fire and a pattern of arsons set by Paul Keller.
- 21:10 — Cracks in the Case: Evidence fails to link Keller to the specific library fire, leaving the case unsolved for years.
- 25:00 — The Jailhouse Breakthrough: Detective Atwood encounters Elmer Nash during a routine booking, leading to a confession.
- 31:00 — The Confession: Nash admits to starting the fire, providing the long-awaited closure for the investigation.

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## Transcript

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