By RYAN SKAITH
A woman has been charged with first-degree arson following a fatal house fire in St. Joseph that occurred March 11.
Tanettea Smith faces a Class A felony charge and is being held without bond. Police and fire officials responded to the blaze in the 800 block of North 10th Street around 6:00 a.m. on March 11.
First responders discovered one person dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim.
Following a joint investigation, the St. Joseph Police Department and St. Joseph Fire Department determined the fire was suspicious and identified Smith as a suspect. The incident remains under investigation, and officials said more details will be released as they become available.
Both departments issued a statement extending condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4777 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-238-8477.
