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Family mourns after losing 4 in fatal house fire

Posted at 11:06 PM, Feb 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-22 09:47:29-05

Investigators tracked down a person of interest on Sunday wanted in connection to a deadly fire in Edgerton, Mo. on Friday.

Family members say person of interest Grayden Denham was found in Arizona by police after they tried calling him all weekend.

READ MORE: Police locate person of interest in fatal Edgerton house fire

Denham is wanted for questioning following the deaths of four people found inside a home on Buena Vista Road that burnt down.

Deputies say they are investigating the deaths as a quadruple homicide due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.

Grandparents Russel and Shirley Denham, their granddaughter Heather Denham, and her three-month-old son Mason Denham were killed in the fire, according to the family.

"This is a parent's worst nightmare," explained Shelly Denham, the mother of Heather Denham. "I wouldn't wish this on anybody. My life has been changed forever."

Investigators announced that Grayden Denham was found on Sunday night.

"It's very good that he's been found alive," said Kevin Shelton, the brother of Shelly Denham. "Hopefully he can fill in the blanks for any questions about what happened."

The four fire victims were honored Sunday evening during a prayer vigil at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Edgerton. Around 150 people showed up to offer their support to the Denham family.

"We just want to pray for all of who are involved in this," pastor Jon Denney said. "So many people are involved in this in so many different ways."

Deputies have not announced any suspects or formal charges in the case.

"Grayden is just wanted for questioning," said Shelly Denham. "He and Heather were very close. In my heart, I don't feel that he did this."

According to criminal records, Grayden Denham was charged with assault in an unrelated case last year. He later served time in Johnson County Jail.

As the Denham family continues to mourn the loss of four family members, Shelly Denham said she hopes justice gets served.

"I just want answers and I don't have any answers right now," she said. "The waiting part is very difficult and very hard."

A GoFundMe page has been posted to help the family with funeral costs. 

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Tom Dempsey can be reached at tom.dempsey@kshb.com.

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