By Tonia Noe - Staff Writer
Kentucky State Police continue to investigate the recent burglary and fire that destroyed the home of cancer patient Dale Kesley.
The Mellwood Lane home off Cranston was totally destroyed Oct. 22 and police now say a safe, reported to have been in the home, is missing.
Detective Shane Barnes is in charge of the fire investigation. After not being able to establish the origin of the fire, Barnes has ruled the fire undetermined. The investigation remains open at this time.
“I did return to the scene, but wasn’t able to find the safe,” Barnes commented Monday. “I haven’t been able to talk with the trooper in charge of the burglary to see what he has found out so far.” The burglary was reported Oct. 19.
Firefighters were called to the fire early Oct. 21 but couldn’t save the home. Barnes was aware of the safe the morning of the fire, but was unable to explore the rubble due to extreme heat and smoke.
Kelsey talked with a reporter with The Morehead News Thursday and said whoever broke in to his home, attempted to remove the safe from a bedroom closet. Several items have been reported missing including Kelsey’s Purple Heart and a mother’s ring. Kelsey was in Lexington undergoing a cancer treatment when the fire started.
Trooper Eugene “Newt” Robinson, is in charge of the burglary but couldn’t be reached Monday for comment.
