Historic Louisiana Plantation Burnt to the Ground by Ghost Hunting Group

The LeBeau Plantation- built in the 1850s served as a hotel and casino
but has been vacant since the 1980s

A group of alleged "paranormal investigators" have been arrested and charged with arson, burglary and criminal damage after breaking into the historic LeBeau Plantation and setting it on fire. The seven men, ranging in ages from 17 to 31, broke into the 160-year-old landmark to investigate the claims that it was haunted. Abandoning their investigation, the men decided to get drunk and high, and that's when things went even further downhill.

Initially the fire was believed to be an accident, however the suspects alerted the authorities that they had intentionally set the fire after not receiving any evidence of the paranormal. "They were in there looking for ghosts, drinking, smoking dope, and for some reason they made a decision- a concious decision- before they left to set this building on fire," local sheriff, James Pohlmann said. "St. Bernard lost a part of its history today, and these seven individuals are responsible for that."

Fire-fighters responded to the call around 2am on Friday morning, but by the time they arrived, the building was engulfed in flames. They were able to keep the three alarm fire under control, but were unable to save the abandoned building. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the fire.

True paranormal investigators everywhere are speaking out in disgust over the actions of these men. "Ghost Hunters" team member, Amy Bruni, took to her Facebook page to share her thoughts on the matter:

Everyone keeps asking me about the idiots who burned down a historic plantation while "investigating."

I wish the world would realize that beyond the shows, beyond the hype - there is a very real field here, that has been in existence since the 1800's. Watching a tv show, having a couple of beers and breaking into an abandoned building does not make you a Paranormal Investigator. It makes you a jack ass.

I'm so saddened when I hear stories like this. Have respect for these locations, their ghosts, their memories - and for this entire field. It's not a joke. It's not a thrill. People who truly love it, know that.

I believe wholeheartedly that "Ghost Hunters" sets a good example for those who want to investigate and that's why I have been a part of it for so many years. TAPS holds on to their integrity like gold and will continue to do so, even when the cameras stop rolling.

Investigate responsibly, my friends.
xoxo,
-a


-Nowal Massari