One of two weekend fires fatal in Kennett

KENNETT, Mo. -- Area law-enforcement officials investigated two weekend house fires in Kennett, one of which was fatal.

The first fire took place about 4 a.m. Sunday on Neal Street, killing Tessie Brown. When Kennett firefighters arrived on the scene at 4:13 a.m., they found a mobile home 90 percent involved in flames. Neighbors reported two other residents had managed to escape.

The Dunklin County Major Case Squad was activated at the request of Kennett police. The department reported evidence was sent to the crime lab, and a Monday autopsy determined Brown died of smoke inhalation. The department reported no foul play is suspected.

A second fire occurred at 3 a.m. Monday in the 700 block of East Third Street. Christian Morse, 21, of Kennett was arrested at the scene for suspected second-degree arson.

Pertinent address:

Kennett, Mo.