In a surprising series of events in the Hamptons, Amanda Burnside, aged 41, has been apprehended for both arson and attempted armed robbery. The incidents that unfolded over the past weekend show how serious these crimes are and have led to critical discussions surrounding New York State’s bail laws.
On Sunday evening residents of Hampton Bays on Oldfield Lane called the police around 6 p.m. because someone was trying to set fire to their house. The police from Southampton Town quickly came and arrested Burnside. She was accused of setting fire to a bench and porch at a residential home. Luckily, the homeowner was able to extinguish the fire before anyone was hurt.
While the police were still there, they received similar distress calls from residents of West Tiana Road and Fairview Road. These calls stated someone was trying to set additional homes ablaze. Linking all three incidents, investigators charged Burnside with one count of arson and two counts of attempted arson.
In an unexpected twist, Burnside was released without bail on Monday morning following her arraignment. Less than two hours after her release, she was in police custody again. This time she was accused of attempting to rob a Dollar Tree store in Hampton Bays at knifepoint. Officers arrived promptly at the scene, leading to her arrest shortly after 11:30 a.m. She faced charges of attempted robbery and criminal possession of a weapon, leading to her detention in Suffolk County jail.
These incidents have raised questions about how New York decides who may leave jail on bail before their trial. D.A. Tierney, in a critical statement, revealed that his office had initially requested a $1 million bond for Burnside following her arrest for arson. “The arraignment judge nevertheless released the defendant on her own recognizance and told her to report for supervised release within 72 hours,” Tierney stated. He expressed his concern over the quick turnaround of events, where Burnside allegedly committed an armed robbery less than two hours after her release from detention.
Tierney pointed out how serious this is. “Clearly, the dangerousness of this defendant, who allegedly tried to ignite three homes on fire, was not adequately considered, given that within two hours of her arraignment, she allegedly committed another serious, violent felony,” he said.
This situation has sparked a debate about whether New York’s bail rules are sufficient. Tierney criticized the state law, emphasizing that it does not allow judges to consider the potential danger a defendant might pose to society as a factor in determining bail. “The danger that this defendant posed to society could never be adequately considered insofar as dangerousness is not a bail factor that judges can consider under New York State law,” he stated.
Tierney reaffirmed his office’s commitment to public safety, saying, “My office will continue to seek that defendants that pose a threat to public safety, remain in custody, despite the obvious flaws to our law.” The incidents involving Amanda Burnside have raised questions about individual accountability and the broader legal frameworks that govern our justice system. As the community of Hampton Bays recovers from the shock of these events, the debate over New York’s bail laws continues, with many calling for a thorough review and potential reforms.
