The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.
Published December 17, 2014
Woman, child found dead
MORGAN COUNTY – The bodies of a woman and a child were found dead at the scene
of a fire in Barnet last week.
On Friday, Dec. 12, at approximately 6:45 a.m., Morgan County Communications
received a report of a structure fire at 21606 Hwy 52 in Barnett, MO.
Once the fire department arrived at the location they attempted to contain the
fire, which was located in one of the upstairs apartments.
While fighting the fire, firefighters discovered the body of a child inside the
apartment.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office was then notified and responded to the scene.
A short time later, another body, that of an adult female, was also discovered
inside the residence.
Deputies notified the Missouri State Fire Marshals Office and the Missouri State
Highway Patrol for assistance with the investigation.
According to authorities, the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and
caused from an artificial Christmas tree located in the living room area of the
residence.
The fire claimed the life of Joelle C. Lawson, 28, of Barnett and her
two-year-old daughter.
The Sheriff’s Office will not release the name of the daughter due to her age.
The official cause of death will not be officially released until all reports
and lab work are back from the autopsy.
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