Authorities have identified the woman who died in a devastating house fire on Sunday as 69-year-old Connie Teel.
According to Liberty Fire Marshal Ashley Pate, the fire broke out at a home in the 700 block of Austin Street around 11:22 a.m. on June 8.
By the time first responders arrived, the structure was fully engulfed in flames. Liberty police officers were able to evacuate several residents, but tragically, Teel was unable to escape.
Teel is believed to have had medical issues that may have prevented her from getting out in time.
Fire Marshal Pate confirmed that the scene was secured overnight following the fire. On Monday, June 9, she returned to the property with an investigator from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to continue examining the site. A specially trained canine was also brought in to help detect any possible accelerants that could assist in determining the fire’s cause.
“We’re continuing our investigation and are focused on identifying the fire’s point of origin,” Pate said. “At this time, the cause remains undetermined.”
Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.