Public Safety : Johnson County Fire
Investigation reopened in 1985 fire that killed 3
Feb 22, 2012, 10:22 AM
ROCK PORT, Mo. (AP) — A fire that killed three northwest Missouri residents in 1985 is getting another look from law enforcement officers.
The fire outside Phelps City was originally ruled an accident. But persistent rumors that it might have been arson prompted Atchison County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Whittington to reopen the case about a week ago.
The fire killed 21-year-old Jeff McGeehee, 20-year-old Robyn Lynn Bess and her 15-year-old brother, Roger Kent Bass. The blaze occurred at McGeehee's home. All three died of smoke inhalation.
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that Whittington said the rumors suggest someone involved in a fight with McGeehee started the fire. He says no one has come forward with any new information and it's possible the rumors are false. But he asking the public for any new information.
The fire outside Phelps City was originally ruled an accident. But persistent rumors that it might have been arson prompted Atchison County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Whittington to reopen the case about a week ago.
The fire killed 21-year-old Jeff McGeehee, 20-year-old Robyn Lynn Bess and her 15-year-old brother, Roger Kent Bass. The blaze occurred at McGeehee's home. All three died of smoke inhalation.
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that Whittington said the rumors suggest someone involved in a fight with McGeehee started the fire. He says no one has come forward with any new information and it's possible the rumors are false. But he asking the public for any new information.
