Incendiary Devices Found at Home of Suspect in Missing Woman Case

Springfield fire officials say two incendiary devices were found at the home of a suspect in the disappearance of a woman who reportedly was locked in a cage at the house.

The house rented by 58-year-old James Phelps burned to the ground on Oct. 4. Springfield fire officials said bomb squad investigators found devices in a mortar tube covered by a balloon at the home in Dallas County. Both had trip wires.

Phelps and 56-year-old Timothy Norton are charged with first-degree kidnapping in the disappearance of 33-year-old Cassidy Rainwater, who has not been seen since July.

Both suspects appeared in court on Tuesday.

Court documents say law enforcement has evidence Rainwater was held in a cage on Phelps’ property before she disappeared.