MISSOURI VALLEY — The bodies of two people that were found by firefighters after a Thursday morning blaze destroyed a business have been transported to Ankeny for autopsy, officials said.
John Ticer, special agent with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, said Friday morning that the scene of the fire will remain under investigation through the weekend. Results of the autopsies at the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory are likely to come Monday, he added.
Chad Stevens, 44, of Missouri Valley, was confirmed dead by his father, Gary Stevens, on Thursday. Gary Stevens received word from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office that his son and another person — who has not yet been identified — were found after the fire was suppressed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to authorities.
The business, CTI Electronics at 204 Erie St., was an electronics recycling and repair shop. The fire was reported around 7:30 a.m., and 10 area fire departments responded to aid Missouri Valley firefighters.
Investigators have not ruled out foul play.
Chad Stevens was a night security guard at CTI, according to the business’ owner, Tracy Scott. Chad Stevens had a small area in the back of the business where he could sleep.
Fire officials said the blaze was difficult for firefighters because of the age of the building and recyclable electronics inside the business.
