The Duncan Banner

Local News

March 13, 2013

Warrant issued for two suspects of the fire on West Willow

Megan Bristow The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN —  

A warrant was issued Friday for the arrest of two suspects Oklahoma State Fire Marshal Judah Sheppard believes to be at fault for the fire on Jan. 24 at 314 W. Willow.
Sheppard was called to investigate the fire that burned the vacant house. Based upon information gathered in the investigation, warrants were issued for Katy Allen and Jeramie Stevenson.
The individuals are charged with arson in the first degree and burglary in the second degree. 
During the course of his investigation, Sheppard found signs of forced entry to the front door and locked cabinet doors, dresser drawers that had removed and contents of the house including personal papers strewn about the bedroom on the north end of the house. 
Shepperd further discovered someone may have been living in it, though it was not supplied with utilities and did not have current insurance. The house contained personal property including furniture, photographs and clothing.
Two neighbors who witnessed the event told investigators they observed the two suspects parking at the dwelling, entering the residence and coming out with black and brown bags full of personal items from the house, according to the affidavit.
One witness reported that the house began smoking and flaming about 20 minutes after the suspects departure. 
In his affidavit, Sheppard said he believed the cause of the fire was the ignition of available fuel source materials on the interior east central wall and west central wall of the living room and the mattress springs located in the central hallway between the north and south bedrooms.

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