MADISON COUNTY, Ill — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated after two bodies were found inside a burned home in Madison County early Monday morning.
Firefighters responded to the 2300 block of Wedgewood Drive around 6:05 a.m. for a report of a house fire. When fire crews arrived, they found the home's front door opened. The house was full of smoke and flames were still visible inside. After putting out the fire, crews found two bodies in the house.
"They both are apparent homicide victims," said Major Jeff Connor, the chief deputy sheriff of the Madison County Sheriff's Office and also the commander of the Major Case Squad.
One of the victims was in their 50s and the other was in their 60s, Connor said. On Tuesday, they were identified as 59-year-old Robert B. Andrews and 67-year-old Leonard "James" Ebrey.
Lou and Becky Pattan live next door and told 5 On Your Side that two men live inside the home that caught fire.
“I honestly don’t know their last names,” Becky said. “They're very nice guys. They always kept everything up very well, and always decorated for the holidays.”
Major Case Squad investigators are not providing information about a possible motive for these homicides. But they say they will be providing additional details, soon.
This is a developing story and will be updated as 5 On Your Side confirms more information.