Mother of four, one of her children killed in residential fire, two other children hospitalized

(From the Parsons Police Department)

Investigators continue to investigate Wednesday’s residential fire that occurred in the 300 block of South 22nd in Parsons. Fire, EMS and police responded at 3:35 pm to a large residential structure fire. The residence was fully involved.

Multiple victims were transported by Med Flight on Wednesday to Tulsa with multiple injuries.

This is a multi-agency investigation. Parsons Police are working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Parsons FD and the Department for Children and Families (DCF). A search warrant was served on Thursday allowing investigators to search for and seize evidence at the fire scene. On going analysis by investigators continues.

The Labette County Sheriff’s Office also served an arrest warrant on Jack Melton on an unrelated charge on Wednesday afternoon. Melton was a resident at the residence and was present when the fire erupted, he was not injured in the fire. His is current incarcerated at the Labette County Jail with a bond of $50,000.

Investigators have conducted multiple interviews with Good Samaritans and witnesses. Video evidence is also being analyzed.

“We are sad to confirm that Krysten Vargas, the mother of the four children who was in the house at the time of the fire passed away from her injuries early this morning while in hospital care,’ said Parsons Detective Lieutenant Sherri McGuire.

This loss followed the passing of one of the four children that were in the house at the time of the fire. The 18-month-old infant scummed to her injuries on Thursday while in hospital care. The 7-month-old infant and 4-year-old child remain in hospital being treated for injuries. A 6-year-old child has been placed in guardianship by DCF with a relative.

The names of juveniles are not released as a matter of law.

“If citizens have videos, we would appreciate receiving those so that fire investigators and detectives can use those in our investigation,” said McGuire.

 
If you have videos, please contact Lt Sherri McGuire at 620-421-7060 so she can arrange for that evidence to be collected.

There were multiple Good Samaritans who assisted victims even before fire, EMS and police arrived. The Parsons Police Department extends a huge thank you to each and every one of these Parsonians. Detectives have interviewed several of these individuals already. Many left the scene, and we would like to interview them too. If you stopped and helped, please contact Lt Sherri McGuire at 620-421-7060 so we can interview you and thank you for your service.

“Please keep these victims in your thoughts and prayers. Hats off to the courageous community members who came to the aid of the victims, and to the members of the Parsons Fire Department, EMS, Labette Hospital Emergency Department staff and Life Flight, who all did a tremendous job in coming to the aid of this family,” said Parsons Deputy Chief of Police Dennis Dodd.