Arson Horror in St Helens: Elderly Couple Killed by Drug-Related Fire
A shocking act of violence has left a quiet community in St Helens reeling after an elderly couple, Sheila Jackson, 83 and Eric Greener, 77, lost their lives in a deliberately set fire. What began as a conflict over drug dealings escalated into a devastating crime, claiming two innocent lives and leaving a lasting mark on the town.
The arson took place on South John Street last July, when the couple’s home was doused with petrol and ignited. Emergency services rushed to the scene after the fire started shortly after midnight, rescuing the couple from the burning property. Tragically, both later died in hospital from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Investigators revealed that the attack was not random—it was orchestrated by 34-year-old Kevin Weetman, a drug dealer from Liverpool, who intended to target Sheila Jackson’s son over a dispute involving refusal to sell drugs.
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Weetman’s plan relied on assistance from Kylie Maynard, 37, who provided details about the family’s address and Lee Owens, 46, who helped ignite the blaze. Another accomplice, Paul Smith, also participated but died shortly after the fire. In court, all three surviving defendants were convicted of manslaughter. Weetman received a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years, Maynard was sentenced to 23 years and Owens received 13-and-a-half years.
What makes this case particularly chilling is the calculated and cold-blooded nature of the crime. Prosecutors described Weetman as having a “warped moral code,” citing a criminal history that began in early adolescence and escalated over the years. Evidence showed that the couple were collateral victims in a dispute entirely unrelated to their own actions—they were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. The jury heard that Weetman’s motivation stemmed from his desire to enforce control and assert dominance in his drug operations, highlighting the dangers of organized crime spilling into ordinary communities.
The impact of this tragedy resonates far beyond St Helens. It raises urgent questions about the reach of drug-related violence and the vulnerability of innocent individuals caught in criminal schemes. Families, neighbors and authorities are left grappling with the consequences of such a preventable loss, underscoring the need for vigilant law enforcement and community awareness.
This case is a stark reminder that violence can strike anywhere, even in seemingly peaceful neighborhoods and that the decisions of a few can have fatal repercussions for many. Stay with us for continued coverage, as we follow any further developments and look at how communities and authorities are responding to prevent future tragedies.
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