KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Three people were found dead in a KCK house after it caught fire Tuesday morning. KCK police initially called the deaths suspicious but said on Wednesday the cases are now considered homicides.
The fire started just after 3 a.m. at 837 Troup Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. Crews arrived in around four minutes, according to Chief John Paul Jones of KCKFD. When crews arrived, there were already "heavy fire conditions" inside the home, he said.
Firefighters doing a search and rescue inside the home while fighting back the fire found two people dead inside. Later Tuesday afternoon, KCK police confirmed a third body was found in the home.
KCK police said Friday that the victims were two men and a woman. All three had been shot.
Two victims have been identified as Gwinn Green, 53, and Ronald Guess, 61, both of KCK.
The other man still remains unnamed.
KCKFD-on the scene of a fatality fire-800 block of Troup Ave., fire came in at approx 0322hrs. Crews experienced heavy fire conditions upon arrival and attacked the fire & conducted search of the residence. Extensive fire
investigation taking place at this time.— John Paul Jones (@KCKFireChief) December 12, 2017
Jones said there would be an "extensive investigation" to determine the circumstances that led to the fire.
Early Tuesday afternoon, KCKPD Chief Terry Zeigler tweeted the fire appeared to be a homicide scene with multiple victims. KCK police now say they're investigating the deaths as suspicious.
Investigators brought an arson dog to the scene and had the dog sniff multiple cans that were inside the home.
Police ask anyone with information on the incident or the victims to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
Waiting for answers
Alesia Williams said her nephew lives in the home.
“I know that my nephew was staying here sometime with his uncle. I do know that. And we haven't heard from him this morning, so if anybody has heard from them, please notify the family or the police,” said Williams.
As night fell on Troup Avenue, KCK Fire investigators sifted through piles of charred debris searching for evidence.
Although police are still awaiting the victims’ autopsy results.
The family of Gwinn Green strongly believes the 53-year-old woman was inside when the fire broke in the wee hours of the morning.
On Tuesday evening, at least two dozen relatives and friends gathered at the scene for a celebration of life.
They lit candles, shed tears and united in prayer.
Her brother, Patrick Green, led the group.
“Whatever the purpose is you have for our family in this we will gravitate to, run to and come together in unity father god,” Patrick said.
Her son and sister highlighted Green’s personality as they mourn.
“I don’t want none of you being sad right now because she was the happiest person in my life. I can’t even think of a time — and I’m her son — I can’t even think of a time of her being mad or sad,” Aderrius Phillips, Green’s son said.
“She just had you laughing and those memories will always be in our hearts but as a family, we want to thank you for this love and support and for coming out,” Patricia Green told the crowd.
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