An Oelwein woman has been arrested following the morning blaze Tuesday, June 3, that claimed three structures and displaced three families.
The Oelwein Police Department has since arrested Jeannie Murphy, 50, of Oelwein, in connection to the blaze that was thought by the department’s investigators to be “suspicious in nature.†Murphy was the resident of the initial totaled house in the 300 block of 1st Ave NE.
Officers continued the investigation throughout the day and formally charged Murphy with Arson 1st Degree — Class B Felony.
Murphy was taken into custody and transported to the Fayette County Jail pending an initial appearance. Additional charges are pending, and this case is still under investigation.
“We are extremely grateful and proud of the collaborative efforts of all of the volunteer members of each fire department involved to protect the lives and property of those in our community and the efficient investigative work of our officers,†stated Public Safety Chief Jeremy Logan in the media release. “People that volunteer for a fire department are special people that are the heartbeat of those communities and we are fortunate to have them and the dedicated officers that serve us.â€
Oelwein Police and Fire Departments were assisted by the fire departments from Hazleton, Maynard and Fairbank, as well as the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Fayette County Emergency Management, Oelwein MercyOne Ambulance and the American Red Cross.
Charges are merely an accusation until proven guilty in a court of law.
