James Hibbard (Reporter)

Even readers of the paper are viewed with suspicion.

Even readers of the paper are viewed with suspicion.

The task force is casting a wide net.

The task force is casting a wide net.

Did it turn up anything?

Did it turn up anything?

Rival newspaper, the Arizona Republic, published an editorial that said, quote, if you meet with an egocentric fire starter, you become part of his gang. You not only spread his message for him, you let him walk away, Zippo in hand. In the face of all this, the pressure on James begins to take a toll.

Rival newspaper, the Arizona Republic, published an editorial that said, quote, if you meet with an egocentric fire starter, you become part of his gang. You not only spread his message for him, you let him walk away, Zippo in hand. In the face of all this, the pressure on James begins to take a toll.

This experience had a lasting impact on James. He was blamed from all sides for prolonging the arson investigation. But looking back on it now, it's clear that that's not really what happened. Because back at the task force HQ, investigators are starting to see a silver lining in James's interview. Was there anything in that article that helped you guys?

This experience had a lasting impact on James. He was blamed from all sides for prolonging the arson investigation. But looking back on it now, it's clear that that's not really what happened. Because back at the task force HQ, investigators are starting to see a silver lining in James's interview. Was there anything in that article that helped you guys?

And there is a lot to dissect. The arsonist told James that he's a management professional with an advanced degree. He has a healthy income and works in downtown Phoenix. Plus, the whole piece is littered with James' impressions of the guy.

And there is a lot to dissect. The arsonist told James that he's a management professional with an advanced degree. He has a healthy income and works in downtown Phoenix. Plus, the whole piece is littered with James' impressions of the guy.

The fact that this man wanted to do an interview at all and the way he organized the meeting, that's also a clue. And in the opinion of Special Agent Ken Williams, a big mistake.

The fact that this man wanted to do an interview at all and the way he organized the meeting, that's also a clue. And in the opinion of Special Agent Ken Williams, a big mistake.

When the task force really digs into the arsonist's quotes, they notice a key detail. This man is adamant that none of the fires were personal, except for one, the second fire at Lee Benson's place. He tells James that fire was personal. Quote, that monstrosity stuck out like a sore thumb. We warned him not to come back. That's how they realize.

When the task force really digs into the arsonist's quotes, they notice a key detail. This man is adamant that none of the fires were personal, except for one, the second fire at Lee Benson's place. He tells James that fire was personal. Quote, that monstrosity stuck out like a sore thumb. We warned him not to come back. That's how they realize.

After weeks of surveilling James Hibbard, the Phoenix New Times, their delivery trucks, and random people reading the paper on their lunch break, they decide to try something new.

After weeks of surveilling James Hibbard, the Phoenix New Times, their delivery trucks, and random people reading the paper on their lunch break, they decide to try something new.

a trap in what they're hoping is CSP's own backyard, where one rookie officer will soon find herself in the heart of the action.

a trap in what they're hoping is CSP's own backyard, where one rookie officer will soon find herself in the heart of the action.