Overview
- The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Leeton Police and the Missouri State Fire Marshal announced two juveniles are in custody on suspicion of setting Monday night’s fire at Leeton United Methodist Church.
- Officials said identities will not be released due to the suspects’ ages, and the matter has been referred to the county’s juvenile authorities for potential charges.
- Investigators previously confirmed the blaze was intentionally set, citing distinctive burn patterns, with crews from Johnson County and Warrensburg battling the fire for nearly three hours after a 9:15 p.m. call.
- The sanctuary suffered heavy smoke and water damage and remains standing, though its structural integrity is uncertain; firefighters salvaged several items from inside.
- Community leaders expressed heartbreak and resolve, with Mayor Taylor Elwell noting the building’s survival, as officials credited close agency coordination for the swift progress in the case.