News

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)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Fox 4 News Nov. 29,2018 --

Thirty years ago today, six Kansas City firefighters lost their lives in a tragedy that forever changed the community.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. Fox 4 Nov. 29,2018 --

Kansas City Deputy Fire Chief James Dean was a rookie firefighter that November night 30 years ago.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. KMBC by Micheal Mahoney Nov. 28,2018 —

A documentary filmmaker says he has found new evidence in the 1988 explosion that claimed the lives of six Kansas City, Missouri, firefighters.

That incident happened 30 years ago -- Nov. 29, 1988. Since then, questions have remained.

The huge blast of ammonium nitrate happened before dawn at a construction site near 71 Highway and 87th Street.

The cause of the blast was ruled arson.

Firefighters Thomas Fry, Gerald Halloran, Luther Hurd, James Kilventon Jr., Robert McKarnin and Micheal Oldham died answering the call.

Filmmaker Joe O'Connor says new evidence points to a second, separate fire in the pickup truck of two security guards there that morning.