No suspects are being sought in connection with an intentionally set fire in which a woman died during the early evening July 17 at Auburn in southwest Shawnee County, an official said.
The woman was identified as Toka Flickinger, 47, in a news release put out by Lance Feyh, public information manager for the office of Kansas State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm.
Feyh’s statement that no suspects were being sought appeared to suggest investigators think whoever set the fire is deceased, as they have historically sought to question any living people suspected of starting fatal fires here.
Officials made similar statements after fatal, intentionally set fires last March in East Topeka and in southeast Topeka.
No suspects are being sought in connection with an intentionally set fire in which a woman died during the early evening July 17 at Auburn.
Auburn police were called to house
Shawnee County appraiser’s office records identified the house involved, at 511 N. School St., as being owned by Steven and Toka Flickinger.
“According to the Auburn Police Department, they responded to the residence for a domestic-related police call,” Feyh said. “The male half had left the residence with the kids. Approximately 15 minutes after leaving, a neighbor called 911 to report a house fire. Auburn Police Department responded and attempted to locate the victim but was unable to get to her.”
Firefighters subsequently found Flickinger in water in a bathtub, Feyh said.
“The fire was determined to have been set in the front hallway in front of the bathroom, trapping the female victim,” he said. “No suspects are being sought at this time.”
The fire was intentionally set and had multiple points of origin, Feyh said.
An autopsy was scheduled to be conducted, he said.
No damage estimate was available.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Intentionally set fire kills Auburn woman, 47, at her home