Officials investigate arson that killed one person Monday at Independence home
Update: The victim was identified as 27-year-old Justin C. Brown, a police spokesman said Saturday.
Police are investigating an arson fire that killed one person Monday night at an Independence home.
Fire crews from seven Independence stations responded at 6:51 p.m. to the blaze in the 19200 block of East 5th Terrace Court North, where they reported heavy smoke and fire.
Because of a structural collapse, crews had to exit the home and use a defensive strategy to put out the fire. The blaze was ruled under control at 7:45 p.m.
Officials found a dead person inside the home.
Police and the Missouri State Fire Marshal are investigating the incident as an arson.
This story was originally published April 25, 2023 at 6:46 AM.
Andrea Klick
The Kansas City Star