by Angie Ricono, Cyndi Fahrlander KCTV5  Feb 24, 2022

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- It’s been more than 33 years since an early morning explosion at a Kansas City construction site killed six Kansas City firefighters. It’s called the darkest day for the Kansas City Fire Department.

But even after all this time, questions remain as to what happened on that November morning. Earlier this month, a Department of Justice report was unsealed—allowing the first look at the report that was compiled eleven years ago. That report names two security guards as possibly being involved in the arsons. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is calling those security guards “suspects” and is reviewing the case.

Our investigative team has combed through that report, plus hundreds of police reports, photos, and video. We connected with retired Kansas City Police Detective Victor Zinn, who was an investigator on this case for the KCPD. Questions about the incident, and the investigation still haunt Detective Zinn.

“The facts just don’t fit up,” said Zinn. “They don’t fit at all.”

Zinn interviewed one of the security guards, Debbie Riggs, hours after the explosion. KCTV5 has obtained that video.

By Matti Gellman and Bill Lukitsch February 21, 2022 Kansas City Star

For the past 33 years, Jan Offill has never felt that all the facts were revealed in the massive arson-fueled explosion that killed her brother and five other Kansas City firefighters on the morning of Nov. 29, 1988.

Every now and then Offill, of Smithville, switches on the news to find another new piece of information has trickled out, as it has over the decades, through local reports.

It brings her back to the day she watched the disaster unfold on live television in the hours after 25,000 pounds of construction-grade explosives went off, sending shock waves across the city.She was taken back to that day earlier this month after several news organizations, including The Star, reported the latest developments in the case:

The Department of Justice had at one point considered there was credible evidence showing two security guards, one of whom testified on behalf of prosecutors, may have been involved in setting the fires. And now Jackson County prosecutors believe a review of the new evidence is warranted because there is no statute of limitations for murder.

By Luke Nozicka Kansas City Star Feb. 2nd, 2022

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver on Wednesday urged anyone with information about the 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters to come forward following reports that two other suspects may have been involved. In a statement, Cleaver, who was mayor pro tem at the time of the explosion, also said he prays that the loved ones of the firefighters are “able to find peace of mind.”

“In this case, every disclosure seems to point to the reality that we may never have complete closure — which breaks my heart for the families of the six firefighters who tragically lost their lives on that awful day in 1988,” he said.

Cleaver’s comments followed reports this week that Justice Department records, which were recently released through court order, show investigators a decade ago found new information to suggest that two security guards, Debbie Riggs and Donna Costanza, “may have been involved in the arsons” as part of an attempted insurance fraud.

Jackson Hicks, Angie Ricono  Posted on Feb 2, 2022

• KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Local leaders are reacting to new information that was released about the 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters.

Earlier this week, a previously-redacted DOJ report on a construction site fire near 71 Highway and 87th Street in Kansas City was released. The government document originally blacked out names, paragraphs, and even full pages from public view.

U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, who served as mayor during the investigation, released a statement calling for more information in the investigation. 

“In this case, every disclosure seems to point to the reality that we may never have complete closure—which breaks my heart for the families of the six firefighters who tragically lost their lives on that awful day in 1988," Rep. Cleaver said. "I would urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward, and I pray that the friends and family of each hero who gave their life to protect our community are able to find peace of mind.”

Jean Peters Baker, the prosecutor for Jackson County, is calling for a review of the case. Her office released a statement on Tuesday:

"Our office was asked to review this new evidence for possible charges against two additional suspects. We believe a review is warranted given that no statute of limitations exists for murder."

Even though there were convictions in the case, speculation around the fire never went away. 

The “Marlborough 5,” who were originally convicted, always maintained their innocence and turned down plea deals. Those offered lie detector tests passed. Critics point out prosecution witnesses were offered deals and even cash for testimony.

To read the full report, click here.

 

KSHB 41 By: Andres Gutierrez , Casey Murray Posted at 2:34 PM, Feb 01, 2022 and last updated 11:38 PM, Feb 01, 2022

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A report released by the U.S. Department of Justice after a records request lawsuit indicated that there may be more suspects in the 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters than the five individuals who were ultimately convicted.

The lawsuit was brought by Bryan Sheppard, one of those convicted for the explosion who has maintained his innocence.

Over the years, the case against Sheppard and the four others convicted for the explosion has brought scrutiny. Some witnesses alleged that police pressured them to name those convicted in the crime and have recanted their testimony. There was no physical evidence in the case, so the five individuals were convicted on testimony from others. However, other witnesses have maintained their testimony.

The report, based on the DOJ's investigation into the case, appeared to indicate that two security guards could have been implicated in the crime.

However, U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore said that does not exonerate the former five defendants.

For Immediate Release Jackson County Prosecutor's Office
Feb. 1, 2022

In response to news reports today regarding information related to the Kansas City firefighters' case, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office is issuing this statement:

"Our office was asked to review this new evidence for possible charges against two additional suspects. We believe a review is warranted given that no statute of limitations exists for murder. "