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Posted: 6:55 PM Jan 8, 2009
Drugs could have played in role in Ringling house fire that killed 3
RINGLING, OK ―The investigation into a deadly house fire in Ringling earlier this week continues. Officials now say there is a possibility drugs could be to blame, and community members are speaking out. Shelby Levins has more.
Reporter: Shelby LevinsEmail Address: shelby.levins@kxii.com |
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RINGLING, Okla. ―The investigation into a deadly house fire in Ringling earlier this week continues. Officials now say there is a possibility drugs could be to blame, and community members are speaking out. Shelby Levins has more.
The house fire that took the lives of 12-year-old Kalee Frasier, 14-year-old Megan Frasier and their 48-year-old cousin, Luther Wayne Gregg, started early Monday morning. Now days later, there seem to be more questions than answers.
Half of a charred house remains, and police tape still surrounds the house as a state and federal investigation continues.
Now community members are speaking out amidst allegations that drugs may have played a part in the deadly fire.
“Everybody’s upset. People were really concerned about those girls. This shouldn't have happened,” says one mother, who chose not to show her face.
She says the loss of the two young girls is hurting the entire community.
“Now we have to face the reality that they're gone and help our kids work through their grief.”
A small memorial grows in the front yard honoring Megan and Kalee Frasier, the two girls killed in the fire.
“Kids from the school have brought teddy bears, and roses and flowers, and put it front of the house.”
But as the community mourns questions into the cause of the fire are mounting. Officials have confirmed they have found items indicating drug activity was present inside the house.
“We did find items on the grounds of the property that contained residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. They’re items that are regularly associated with drug activity either making the drugs or using or selling the drugs,” Judah Shepard with the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office says.
But officials say they still don't know the cause of the fire.
“If it was an accidental fire with the electricity being the problem, or with the discovery of drug paraphernalia out here, is it going to be connected to a drug lab being produced in the house?” Shepard said.
A memorial fund in honor Megan and Kalee Frasier has been set up at First Bank and Trust in Healdton. You can donate at any of the bank's branches in southern Oklahoma or call 580-229-1076 for more information on how to donate.
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