The person of interest in a Kokomo fire and death was officially taken into custody Tuesday night according to authorities.
On Dec. 25 around 12:30 p.m., Howard County dispatchers received a report of a possible residential fire at 3321 E. 300 S. Fire apparatuses from the Taylor Volunteer Fire Department, Harrison Volunteer Fire Department, Howard County Emergency Management Agency and the Kokomo Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. As the crews were extinguishing the fire, a female subject was located, removed from the residence and subsequently pronounced deceased on the scene by medics fro Community Howard Regional Hospital just after 1 p.m. The deceased was later identified as Pamela Hunter, 73.
According to authorities, a crime scene was established at the residence, and investigators established a person of interest, Curtis Freeman, 44, who was believed to be homeless. Police say that investigators promptly attempted to locate Freeman by canvasing the immediate and surrounding areas while further investigating tips and leads from the public. The investigation continued through the night and into Dec. 26 before Howard County Sheriff’s Office Detectives received a report from deputies at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office that Freeman was reportedly located at a liquor store in Orange County.
Authorities reported that Freeman likely received a ride to Dubois County from the store, and through efforts of multiple agencies spanning the different counties, Freeman was located in Dubois County and was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear, which was issued out of Vigo County.
According to the Howard County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy was conducted for Hunter, and preliminary findings concluded that her injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma, which led authorities to declare the manner of death as a homicide. However, the final determination is pending toxicology and lab results.
The case remains under investigation by multiple agencies spanning different counties, community members with any information related to the case are encouraged to contact Detective Shirley at 765-614-3449, submit a tip utilizing the Howard County Sheriff’s Office mobile app or submit a tip at sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.