UPDATE Body Found In Dothan Fire

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 10561

Posted by: RStokes
thehoustonnewspaper@yahoo.com
334-790-1729
Date: Nov 11 2009 6:46 AM

DOTHAN:    Dothan Fire and Dothan Police continue their investigation into the death of 55 year oold Vicki Yeager of Dothan.

Responding to a shed fire on South Roberta Street, Dothan Fireman found the body of Ms. Yeager in the shed.

Arriving on the scene within four minutes of the call, Dothan Fireman were quick to extinguish the fire, but not before claiming Ms. Yeager’s life.

A multi agency investigation then started – Dothan Fire Department Fire Marshall’s -  their job to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences – their job to assist with analyzing evidence and medical examination of the body of Ms. Yeager. Forensic Medical Examiners will work to determine if (1) Ms. Yeager had any injuries prior to the fire. (2) Was the cause of death directly related to the fire (3) Make positive identification that the body is in fact Ms. Yeager. (4) What the specific cause of death is.

The third agency is Dothan Police Department. They work with the Dothan Fire Marshall in collecting evidence. It is their job to work this case as a murder, collecting and analyzing all evidence. Leaving no clue or stone unturned.

Then, after the (1) Fire Marshall’s Office determines the cause and origin of the fire and (2) Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences gives a preliminary cause of death and the body has no injuries which are not consistent with the fire, then the Dothan Police Department will make a determination if this is an accident or what the specific circumstances are.

Dothan Police Investigators, in this case, have gone through the residence looking for clues. They have retraced the whereabouts of Ms. Yeager and who/what/when and where she has been and what she has been doing. Searching for answers and clues.

In a case of this nature, when all facts and circumstances are not clear, investigators work the case with every precaution in mind. While they have no preliminary indications of foul play, the investigators have to prepare the case as if there were foul play. Making sure their entry into the residence is legal, proper paperwork, their collection of information is in concert with legal proceedings should there be any.

It takes time.

The Houston County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene only when the officials were ready to transport the body.  The body was quickly turned over to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

Pending any unusual findings of the medical examiner, according to sources, investigators do not see any signs of foul play at this time.

A government holiday on Wednesday. This means only basic resources are working today. Remember, all involved are government officials. That means answers might not be forthcoming until sometime Thursday.

Note, Ms. Yeager rented this house on Roberta Street. She ran a catering business from this house. Her residence was on Chickasaw Street.

<- back