Naples Teen Arrested in Connection With Devastating Arson That Burned Friend

A Naples man has been arrested and charged with second-degree arson in connection with a fire that left 19-year-old Leighton Spillane severely burned. The arrest follows a civil lawsuit and months of investigation into what authorities now assert was not an accident.

What Happened

In September, Spillane was critically injured when his pickup truck erupted in flames while he was filling it with gas. The blaze spread quickly enough to engulf both the vehicle and, tragically, Spillane himself. Doctors treated him for life-threatening burns, and the incident immediately drew scrutiny and legal action.

Soon after, a lawsuit was filed naming Jack Viola, then 18, as a defendant. The suit alleged Viola had intentionally ignited fuel near Spillane, leading to the fire. But until now, criminal charges had not followed. With this recent arrest, the state appears ready to pursue both civil and criminal accountability.

Charges & Legal Stakes

Viola now faces a second-degree arson charge — a serious felony under Florida law. Because the fire resulted in significant bodily harm, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties under arson statutes tied to bodily injury.

As the case moves forward, some key questions will come into play:

• Intent vs. accident: Did Viola act purposefully in igniting the fuel or acting in a way that led to ignition?

• Causation & evidence: Can prosecutors show the actions led directly to the fire and injuries?

• Witness reliability & physical proof: Will witness statements, surveillance, forensics, or fuel residue lab reports support the state’s case?

• Defense strategies: Viola’s defense may challenge whether the act was intentional, point to procedural errors, or probe gaps in the evidence.

Community Reaction & Risk Perception

This case has stirred concern across Naples, especially among younger populations and social circles. Many are unsettled by the idea that a routine activity—filling a vehicle—could be disrupted by alleged malice.

Because Spillane’s burn injuries were severe, the human dimension amplifies the outcome’s importance. Accountability here doesn’t just matter to the parties — it matters for public perception of safety, justice, and deterrence in violent or reckless acts involving fire.

The civil suit filed earlier made headlines, but criminal proceedings may force more transparency into motives, relationships, and any warning signs leading up to the event.