The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published December 17, 2014

Woman, child found dead

MORGAN COUNTY – The bodies of a woman and a child were found dead at the scene of a fire in Barnet last week.

On Friday, Dec. 12, at approximately 6:45 a.m., Morgan County Communications received a report of a structure fire at 21606 Hwy 52 in Barnett, MO.

Once the fire department arrived at the location they attempted to contain the fire, which was located in one of the upstairs apartments.

While fighting the fire, firefighters discovered the body of a child inside the apartment.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office was then notified and responded to the scene. A short time later, another body, that of an adult female, was also discovered inside the residence.

Deputies notified the Missouri State Fire Marshals Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for assistance with the investigation.

According to authorities, the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and caused from an artificial Christmas tree located in the living room area of the residence.

The fire claimed the life of Joelle C. Lawson, 28, of Barnett and her two-year-old daughter.

The Sheriff’s Office will not release the name of the daughter due to her age. The official cause of death will not be officially released until all reports and lab work are back from the autopsy.

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