KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Johnson County Fire Protection District says a fire Monday night at the Leeton United Methodist Church was intentionally set.
That has prompted an arson investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office.
Firefighters from the Johnson County Fire Protection District and the Warrensburg Fire Department were dispatched shortly after 9:15 p.m. to the church at 106 North Wall St. in Leeton.
When they arrived, they saw heavy smoke and flames from inside the 129-year-old church.
It took three hours to bring the fire under control.
Despite extensive damage, investigators say the church is still standing, and they were able to save some items from inside.
"It's heartbreaking to see a place that has stood for generations be deliberately set on fire," JCFPD Captain Joe Jennings said in a news release.
Jennings urges anyone with information to come forward.
"Our church has stood at the heart of Leeton since 1896, serving as a place of worship, community, and history for generations. We are devastated, but we are not without hope," the church posted on Facebook. "Our faith and our community have always been stronger than any building. We ask for your continued prayers for our congregation and for healing in our community. Together, we will rebuild — not just walls, but the spirit of love and fellowship that defines our Christian community and Leeton United Methodist Church."
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-39-ARSON (7766).
A cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest.
—
If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.
Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.
