Police: 'Very few leads to develop' as arson investigation continues

The most recent of only two unsolved Cape Girardeau County-Bollinger County Major Case Squad homicides still remains a mystery several months later, police say.

An arson in April at a residence on South Pacific Street that resulted in the death of 42-year-old George E. Robinson was heavily investigated by the case squad under current commander David James for the first 48 hours, but no arrests were made.

The case is still active, but the investigation now rests solely with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, said Sgt. Barry Hovis, spokesman for the police department.

"We've basically had very few leads to develop," Hovis said.

The deadly fire occurred around 3:30 a.m. April 29 at an apartment building at 203 S. Pacific St.

Robinson, a tenant in the building, died as a result of smoke inhalation.

Two additional fires were set shortly after the Pacific Street fire, said Sgt. Barry Hovis, spokesman for the police department. Some information has come out about the suspicious fire, but not enough to narrow down the lead or secure an arrest, he said.

"It's in a holding pattern now," he said.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the fire come forward because any tips could "jump start" the investigation, Hovis said.

Investigators have determined that the fire was intentionally set, meaning the suspect could be charged with the felony of first-degree arson.

Arson itself carries a punishment of up to 30 years in prison, or life in the state of Missouri.

Hovis said if an arrest is made, the circumstances will dictate whether murder or a lesser penalty related to Robinson's death will accompany the arson charges.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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