Carbon monoxide officially blamed in Missouri tragedy

The Associated Press

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Toxicology tests have confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning killed five adults and two children inside a duplex in this northeast Missouri town three months ago.

All seven had blood levels of carbon monoxide at “greater than 60 percent saturation,” Police Chief Jim Hughes said Tuesday.

He called rumors of foul play unfounded. Cause of death will be listed as accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

The victims were Maranda McDermott, 23, her 1-year-old son, Adam McDermott Jr., and 23-month-old daughter Melina McDermott; Phillip Scruggs, 21; Rachel Findling, 21; Reginald Washington, 21; and Jeremy Liner, 19.