Investigation Reopened Into 1985 Triple-Fatal Mo. Fire

Upsetting rumors have circulated enough around Atchison County, Mo., to reopen the case of a 1985 triple-fatality fire that still weighs heavily on the minds of people who experienced its aftermath.

Deputy Steve Whittington of the Atchison County Sheriff's Department has been investigating the June 1, 1985, fire outside of Phelps City, Mo., that killed Jeff McGeehee, 21; Robyn Lynn Bess, 20; and her brother, Roger Kent Bess, 15.

Coming up with little substantive evidence, Mr. Whittington is now looking for the public's help.

"The last couple of years, there's been some rumors floating around, upsetting the families, of course, saying this fire was not an accident. So we started poking into it," he said.

Previously ruled as an accidental fire, one of the biggest rumors suggests arson may have been involved, as a result of an alleged fight between Mr. McGeehee and an unknown person.

"Mr. McGeehee was probably involved in an altercation or fight on or about the time of the fire and we don't know who with. So that's why I'm putting that out to the public," Mr. Whittington said.

The fire occurred at Mr. McGeehee's house after a get-together ended around midnight. According to the Tarkio Avalanche, which ran the original story, it was stated some friends left the house around 1 a.m. and no fire was present. At about 2 a.m. a fire was reported, with the house being fully engulfed by 3:30 a.m. All three people died of smoke inhalation.

Since the case's reopening about a week ago, no one has come forward with any memory of a fight that occurred. But other memories are being stoked.

Both former classmates of Roger Kent Bess at Tarkio High School, Lisa Clement, now a reading teacher in Tarkio, Mo., and Stacy Cooper Hughes, a kindergarten teacher in Rock Port, Mo., said even after 27 years, the sadness of the situation still sticks with them.

"It was after school was out for the summer, so we weren't all together when it happened. However, everyone was totally devastated," Ms. Clement said.

For Ms. Hughes, the memories remain vivid.

"I just remember getting the call. We were all heart broke," she said. "A funeral was held at the Methodist Church in Westboro for the three of them. I will never forget the three beautiful wooden caskets at the front of the small church."

Both surprised by the reopening of the case, each stated that since the fire occurred, they had never heard rumors of any foul play.

"I was stunned when I started hearing that the case might be reopened. When I saw their photos, it was like they were frozen in time," Ms. Hughes said. "Our whole class loved Kent, and truly do care and want to know what's going on."

If the case remains accidental, Mr. Whittington said he will gladly close it and hopefully put the kibosh on rumors, so the family can be given some peace. If not, he hopes someone will step forward to give them information.

"I'm just on a fishing expedition, you might say, to see if I can shake anything out of the bushes at this point," he said.

Some memories of that night won't fade with time.

"If it were arson, whoever did it will have to live with this for the rest of his or her life. It was not only a tragic loss for the family, but for Kent's classmates, school and community. The loss affected many lives," Ms. Clement said.

Adding to that, Ms. Hughes said it's still tough to pass the old site.

"Every time I drive (Highway) 136 towards the Brownville bridge, I find myself glancing over to the spot where it happened. The three of them have not been forgotten. I hope the family realizes that. They are wonderful people," she said.

Copyright 2012 - St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service