The Howard County Coroner’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office are continuing an investigation into a Friday afternoon fire that resulted in the fatality of the home’s resident.
On Friday, March 7, just before 5:45 p.m., a 911 call was reportedly received in reference to a residential fire in the 4700 block south on 500 East in Howard County with possible victim entrapment. Fire units were reportedly dispatched from Taylor Township, Greentown Fire and Harrison Township alongside Tipton Fire Department Paramedics and Howard County Sheriff’s Office.
Shortly after arriving, the first units reportedly located a victim inside the home who was pronounced deceased at 6:02 p.m., less than 20 minutes after the initial 911 call. The Howard County Coroner’s Office and Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene, and assistance was provided by the Howard County Emergency Management Agency.
The deceased has been preliminarily identified as the home’s resident, Judith Margo Dybalski, 80. An autopsy will be conducted today under the direction of the Howard County Coroner.
The case remains under investigation by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Coroner’s Office and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. Community members with any information regarding the incident has been urged to contact Detective Ernie Shirey at 765-614-3449 or by submitting a tip through sheriff.howardcountyin.gov or the Sheriff’s Office app.
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