By Katie Bernard and Luke Nozicka KC Star September 05, 2020

This is a file video from 2008 that gives an overview of the events that led to the deaths of six firefighters, and the convictions of five people in the case. The youngest defendant in the case, Bryan Sheppard, who was 17 at the time of the explo By Todd Feeback, Mike McGraw and David Hellin

Despite health concerns, one of five people convicted and sentenced to life in prison for a 1988 explosion that killed six Kansas City firefighters will not be granted early release due to the coronavirus.

In May Darlene Edwards, 65, petitioned for compassionate release from prison. Her attorneys argued that because of health issues — including diabetes, breathing difficulties and high blood pressure — she was at high risk if she contracted COVID-19.

Edwards was convicted alongside four others in the Nov. 29, 1988, explosion at a construction site along U.S. Route 71 near 87th Street.

Prosecutors at the time argued that the five planned to steal tools to sell for drug money and set fire to a tractor-trailer in the early hours of the morning. It blew up, killing all of the arriving firefighters. Edwards has said she is innocent.

Darlene Edwards, now 66, has been in prison for 23 years. She says she is obese, diabetic and requires assistance walking.

One of five co-defendants sentenced to life in prison without parole for the deaths of six Kansas City firefighters 32 years ago has lost her bid for compassionate release from prison.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan Jr. on Friday denied the request of Darlene Edwards, who argued that her age, underlying health conditions and risk of contracting COVID-19 were reasons to reduce her sentence to time served.

Edwards, now 66, has been in prison for 23 years. She says she is obese, diabetic and requires assistance walking.

Although Gaitan agreed that Edwards has serious health conditions and does not pose a danger to the community, he said the severity of her crime weighed against her early release.

 KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Fox4 Aug. 24, 2020 — Nearly 32 years ago, six Kansas City firefighters were killed in a south Kansas City construction site explosion.

By Dan Margolies KCUR May 13, 2020

A motion filed in federal court in Kansas City on Tuesday says that Darlene Edwards suffers from a variety of chronic ailments, putting at her high risk for death or serious illness if she is exposed to the coronavirus.

One of five co-defendants sentenced to life in prison for the deaths of six Kansas City firefighters in a massive explosion 32 years ago is seeking compassionate release from prison.

Darlene Edwards, who is imprisoned in the Federal Medical Center Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, is asking that her sentence be reduced to time already served.

A motion filed in federal court in Kansas City on Tuesday says that Edwards suffers from a variety of chronic ailments, putting at her high risk for death or serious illness if she is exposed to the coronavirus.

“Given the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, Darlene’s age and health issues, we have asked the court to consider reducing her sentence to time served,” Edwards’ attorneys, Megan Egli and Bryan Pratt, said in an email. “The amendment to the First Step Act, to incentivize low-risk prisoners for early release based on time served, was designed for inmates like Darlene.”

31 years ago today KCFD lost 6 brave men. We will never forget their service and sacrifice to this department and the city of Kansas City, Missouri. @KCMOFireDept #kcfd #kcmo pic.twitter.com/sGGnxthNTl

— KCFD (@KCMOFireDept) November 29, 2019

April 1, 2019 KKFI 90.1 FM

Joe O'Connor tells about his research into the 1988 explosion that killed 6 KC Firefighters and evidence that could definitely solve the case.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:08 — 53.7MB)