2 found dead, 1 shot, in burning home
September 25, 2020By The Associated Press
BURLINGTON — Police investigating the deaths of a man and a woman whose bodies were found in a burning home in a small north-central Indiana town say the woman was fatally shot but it's unclear how the man died.
An autopsy performed Tuesday found that Anna Downham, 35, died from a gunshot wound she sustained before the house was set on fire, Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby said. The Bringhurst woman's death was ruled a homicide.
Downham's body was pulled Monday morning from a burning home in the town of Burlington by people who stopped after spotting the fire. Firefighters called to the scene found the man's body inside the home after dousing the flames.
That man is not suspected of killing Downham, and an autopsy was unable to determine his cause of death or manner of death, Leazenby said. Pathologists and the county coroner were using DNA and dental records to try to identify the man, he said.
The two deaths shocked residents in Burlington, a rural community located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Lafayette, the Journal & Courier reported.
“We’re a town of 600 people, so when you hear sirens, you wonder what’s going on,” said Town Clerk Karen Dinger.
Burlington resident Jenna Hileman said the community is “a great town" and she was shocked to learn that Downham's death was ruled a homicide.
“I would not suspect anything malicious here,” she said.
More on DuboisCountyHerald.com
-
County sees 8 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Friday eight new COVID-19 cases in Dubois County. -
Cedar Crest principal to retire
This is the last school year Mark Jahn will be principal of Cedar Crest Intermediate School. -
Another COVID-19 death, 2 more cases recorded
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Thursday another COVID-19-related death in... -
County sees 7 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Wednesday seven new COVID-19 cases in Dubois County. -
County records 6 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Tuesday six new COVID-19 cases in Dubois County. -
Church comes down after nearly 120 years
Tom Schmitt sat in his pickup Wednesday, far away from the construction workers, watching the... -
County sees 20 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health has reported since Friday 20 new COVID-19 cases in Dubois... -
Peace on the Water
As Kyle Gudorf and Lance Reynolds searched for their next great catch, the bowfishermen learned...