Major Case Squad Investigating Pettis County Fire as Homicide, Victims’ Identities Released

Two people found inside a burning home in far western Pettis County on Monday have been positively identified, and investigators are treating their deaths as homicides.

Autopsies were performed by the Boone County Medical Examiners Office in Columbia during the day on Tuesday. The victims in the crime have been identified as 56-year-old Barbara A. Hudson and her 26-year-old son, Jeremiah A. Hudson. Both victims were residents of the home in rural Green Ridge.

Detectives from the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Drug and Crime Control Unit were processing the crime scene during the day Tuesday, collecting and recording evidence that may be useful in the case.

Sheriff Kevin Bond has activated the West Central Missouri Major Case Squad to assist in the investigation. The major case squad will convene on Wednesday morning.

If you have information on the case, call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 660-827-TIPS (8477) or the Pettis County Sheriff at 660-827-0052.

This press release provided by the Pettis County Sheriff's Office.