Suspect charged with arson in fatal fire near Downtown, victim identified

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Police Department said the victim has been identified and one person is in custody and has been charged with first-degree arson following a fatal structure fire last week.

Tanettea Smith, 32, faces a Class A felony charge of first-degree arson and is being held without bond in connection with the incident, which remains under investigation, according to SJPD.

At about 6 a.m. on March 11, SJPD, along with the St. Joseph Fire Department, responded to a fire at a residence in the 800 block of North 10th Street.

First responders worked to contain the fire and secure the scene, where resident Ora Schroff was found dead at the top of the stairwell in the complex. According to a probable cause statement, he has apparent injuries from the fire, including significant charring.

SJFD said the structure was a multi-family complex, and several occupants sustained injuries due to the incident.

Three of the occupants were transported to Mosaic Life Care for medical treatment, the fourth being an officer who was attempting to help residents.

Investigators determined the fire was suspicious and, through a joint investigation between the two departments, identified Smith as a suspect and took her into custody.

According to the probable cause statement, officers located video from the surrounding area, which showed various aspects of the fire being set.

The video showed Smith setting the fire and leaving the scene, walking south on 10th Street to Taco Bell, where she was also identified when she looked directly at the cameras.

The probable cause statement also detailed that Smith was homeless and has no known family in the St. Joseph area, except for her brother, who is in custody for unrelated charges. She said she had been living in a tent for years.

Fifth Circuit Judge Chad Gaddie denied Smith's bond, citing she is "a danger to the victim, the community or other person."

SJPD said additional details will be released as they become available.

SJPD and SJFD also extended their condolences to those affected by the situation.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact SJPD at 816-271-4777 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-TIPS (8477).

KQ2 will update this article as more information becomes available.