We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Fatal Kan. apartment fire set intentionally by 1 of 3 victims

Fatal Monday morning apartment building fire-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy Topeka Capitol Journal
Fatal Monday morning apartment building fire-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy Topeka Capitol Journal

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say one of the three victims of a deadly Topeka apartment fire intentionally set the blaze.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Janelle Owens ignited the fire in a bed in the living room of her second-floor apartment. The fire burned upward, killing 59-year-old Rhonda Gill and her daughter, 41-year-old Letitia Gill. Topeka Fire Marshal Mike Martin said Tuesday that the Gills had sought shelter Monday in a closet in a rear bedroom.

A man in the unit with Owns was able to get outside and was taken to a hospital. His condition wasn’t immediately known. Several other people were able to make it out of the building safely.

Authorities estimate damage to the 12-unit, three-story building at $400,000. Damage to the building’s contents is estimated at $100,000.

 

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File