Franklin County Task Force Assisting in Fire Investigation

Members of the Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement Unit are in Reynolds County assisting in an investigation of a fire early Saturday, Dec. 1, that killed two young boys.

Investigators suspect that the fire may have been caused by a methamphetamine lab that exploded.

Detective Sgt. Jason Grellner said his task force officers are assisting in the crime scene investigation and attempting to secure evidence.

“We are assisting them in any way we can,” Grellner told The Missourian.

Reynolds County Sheriff Tom Volner is a former Franklin County deputy and previously worked on the Eureka police department, Grellner said.

Killed in the fire were Charlie Piatt, 2, and his 3-month-old brother, J.J., the Associated Press reported.

Sheriff Volner said authorities are looking to question two men who left the state.

Grellner said it’s believed the two suspects fled to Arkansas and investigators are working with Arkansas law enforcement agencies in attempts to locate them.

Sheriff Volner said Thursday that witnesses, including the mother of the children, believe a meth lab was the cause of the blaze.

Three other children in the home suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation and were treated at a hospital and released, the AP reported.