By Sarah Langbein
Rocky Mountain News (Denver)
Copyright 2006 Denver Publishing Company
LITTLETON, Colo. — Jessica Elaine Meyer was a smiling, fun-loving teen who enjoyed rollerblading, according to a longtime friend.
“She was a really great kid to hang out with,” said Miranda Millard, 14, who had known Meyer since kindergarten.
Millard and sisters Taylor and Jessica Ross, 11 and 14 respectively, looked heartbroken as investigators came and went Thursday from Jessica’s home, where a fire is suspected of claiming the 13-year- old’s life on Wednesday.
The girl, who was found dead on the floor of the garage, is believed to have been home alone.
No details emerged Thursday about what started the garage fire.
Deputy Fire Marshal Rick Young brought in an arson dog named Chester to sniff for any clues.
The German shepherd walked through the house and also checked the yard. Police declined to say whether Chester detected anything that would help in the investigation.
Sgt. Sean Dugan, Littleton police spokesman, said detectives had found no signs that someone tried to break into the home.
He also said he knew of no “red flags” that would point investigators in one direction. They were interviewing family, friends and neighbors in a search for clues.
“We want to go slow,” he said.
Among the people interviewed were a 14-year-old boy who lives next door and Jessica’s 15-year-old brother and her parents, who were at the Littleton Police Department into the evening. Police said the family was extremely cooperative and gave them full access to their home.
Authorities also want to know whether anyone talked to Jessica in the hours leading up to the fire.
Investigators are waiting for an autopsy, scheduled for today, to give them more clues.
Jessica, who had just finished eighth grade at Powell Middle School, was the daughter of Elaine Meyer, head nurse at the Arapahoe County Jail, and Jim Meyer, a mechanic at Burt Chevrolet.
Elaine Meyer said her family would speak to reporters this afternoon.
Co-workers from the jail arrived at the charred home with a stuffed animal and several bouquets of flowers.
“We wanted to let (Elaine Meyer) know we care,” said Mary Dameron. “We’re mothers, too.”
Dameron said Elaine Meyer was especially proud of her little girl.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office set up a fund to help the family. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can go to any US Bank and ask that their donation go to the Jessica Meyer Fund, Bureau Chief Bob Lauderdale said.
And people who work with Jim Meyer at the car dealership were pooling their money to help.
At Jessica’s school, grief counselors will be available for students.
The fire was reported about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 8000 block of South Logan Drive. The home sustained smoke damage. Recreational vehicles and other items in the garage were destroyed.
Firefighters rescued two parakeets from the smoke-filled home. Neighbors have told police the family’s cat remained missing Thursday, however, Dugan said.