THE 1988 FIREFIGHTERS' DEATHS

Did pressure lead to lies and unjust convictions?

Numerous witnesses say testimony was coerced, and another witness now says a guard who was working security at the explosion site implicated herself 20 years ago.

  • Introduction

  • Part 1

  • Part 2

1988 FIREFIGHTER DEATHS

Witnesses say federal investigator pressured them to lie VIDEO

Carie Neighbors said they threatened to take away her son. Jerry Rooks said they warned him he’d get a stiffer jail sentence. Alan Bethard said they charged him with a more serious crime.

Witness says security guard implicated herself

A new witness has come forward with information about the 1988 deaths of six Kansas City firefighters, raising questions about the guilt of five people serving life sentences for the crime.

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KansasCity.com News
RICH SUGG | Star file photo
Trailers containing ammonium nitrate and fuel oil for construction of Bruce R. Watkins Drive exploded shortly after 4 a.m. Nov. 29, 1988, killing six firefighters called to a fire at the site and waking people across the area.