FLORA — A fresh set of eyes are now on the deadly Flora fire case with a new set of investigators.
The FBI and ISP will be in Flora starting on Monday morning to speak with residents as part of the ongoing investigation into the 2016 fatal house fire that claimed the lives of four young sisters, said the FBI.
On November 21, 2016, a fire claimed the lives of sisters 11-year-old Keyana Davis, 9-year-old Keyara Phillips, 7-year-old Kerriele McDonald 5-year-old Kionnie Welch.
The cause of the fire was ruled arson, and no arrests have been made.
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The FBI says they are reviewing every aspect of the case with a "fresh set of eyes" and elevating their efforts in the investigation.
Special agents, along with ISP detectives, will be going door-to-door.
"Even if residents were already interviewed or believe the information they have has already been provided, we are asking that they share that again. Something they remember – even if they believe it is small – can help. It could be something they saw, heard, or were told at the time of the fire, or since. We ask they come forward and allow us to evaluate the information," an FBI spokesperson said.
"They showed up knocking on the door asking about what happened across the street," said Flora resident James McCoy.
"It was awful, just terrible," James Lucas, a Flora resident, recalls.
An empty lot remains at the corner of E. Columbia and South Division streets, where the family's home once stood.
The memory of that day still haunts neighbors.
"My brother ran down. He was going to try and help save the kids," said resident David Lucas.
"There was smoke everywhere. It was ugly. I don't know how to describe it," said McCoy. "We were dumbfounded, didn't know what to do or say."
McCoy tells WRTV he and his wife were surprised to see two FBI agents on Monday morning.
"They were asking if there were any rumors going around, any strange people," he said.
The presence of agents and the newfound quest for answers in the case is providing hope for Flora residents.
"Oh yeah! I hope they can hop back out and find something. Them little kids didn't deserve what they went through," said James Lucas.
"I hope they can find the person who done it and serve justice to those little girls," said David Lucas.
The girls are remembered as being kind, caring and with sweet smiles.
"I really loved those kids," said Lucas.
"I'd take the trash can. I'd wave to them. They'd wave back," said McCoy.
Late 2016 and early 2017 were tough for this community. Three months after the fire, the Delphi murders happened. Another case with years of waiting for answers.
"It's been rough on the county here," said Lucas.
Carroll County residents vow to keep the girls' names alive.
"They're memorialized. They're not gone. They are not forgotten. They are remembered. It's just sad," said McCoy.
Additionally, the Indiana State Fire Marshal, along with the International Association of Arson Investigators (Indiana Chapter 14), is offering up to $5,000 leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible.
Tips can also be submitted online or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may remain anonymous.
