# Profiler Africa: Serial Arsonist Justin Caruso – Fires, Fatalities & the Hero Syndrome

An episode of [Profiler: True Crime Africa](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1455830293), 27 Aug 2025, 1 h 35 min.

Audio: https://anchor.fm/s/ff74674c/podcast/play/107396996/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-7-26%2F406345837-44100-2-83ea6605b66ea.mp3

Gérard Labuschagne and Paul Vivare joined by world-renowned arson investigator Ed Nordskog to dissect the chilling case of Justin Caruso, a serial arsonist whose crimes spanned three US states. Caruso’s fires weren’t random. He staged them to look accidental, inserted himself into investigations, and sought recognition as a “hero.” One blaze killed a 74-year-old man in Mesa, Arizona; another nearly claimed the life of an elderly woman just a week later. Nordskog, who personally analysed the case, explains how investigators uncovered Caruso’s evolving M.O. andexposed the psychology driving his crimes. Gérard provides forensic insight into Hero Syndrome, fire-setter psychology, and why arson cases remain among the most complex to prosecute. In this episode: 🔥The fatal Mesa fire and its investigation. 🔥How fires in Arizona, Texas, and Massachusetts were linked. 🔥The psychology of fire-setters and Hero Syndrome. 🔥Why this case became the IAAI’s International Case of the Year. 📩 Questions, comments, or sponsorships: profilerafricainfo@gmail.com 🌍More: plotshift.co.za For more information on guest Ed Nordskog visit: www.arsonprofiler.com

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