Coroner to conduct autopsy Jan. 21 to make positive identification of one victim
On Fri., Jan. 17, 2025, at 11:08 p.m., the Kokomo Fire Department was dispatched to 1131 N. Armstrong St. for a structure fire. Upon arrival at 11:13 p.m., the crew found a working house fire with heavy fire showing on the front of the structure.
Reports indicated the house was occupied, and the fire department is saddened to report that attempts to rescue the resident were unsuccessful due to extreme heat and the partial collapse of the structure.
At this time, the name of the decedent is withheld pending notification of next of kin. A Kokomo Fire Department investigator was called to the scene. Following protocol, the investigator contacted the state fire marshal.
On Sat., Jan. 18, at approximately 2:25 a.m., the Howard County Coroner was called to the scene. The coroner is working with the presumptive next of kin to meet the legal requirements for positive identification. A forensic autopsy is scheduled for Tue., Jan 21, at the Howard County Coroner's Office.
This fire remains under investigation. Neither the fire department nor the coroner's office will comment on social media speculation while working with the state to follow the science of fire investigation.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact Division Chief Glenda Myers at 765-457-2636 or gmyers@cityofkokomo.org.