MADISON COUNTY – Authorities in Madison County have charged a 22-year-old man in connection with an April house fire and explosions in Troy, IL., that left three people dead, officials said after what they described as an extensive investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies.
Colton K. Cissell, 22, of Troy, is charged with:
• One count of Unlawful Possession/Storage/Transfer of Explosive Material with Intent to Commit Another Offense (class 1 felony)
• Two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter/Family Member (class 2 felony)
• One count of Involuntary Manslaughter (class 3 felony)
• One count of Child Endangerment (class 3 felony)
• One count of Unlawful Possession/Storage/Transfer of Explosive Material (class 3 felony)
Kenneth R. Cissell, 48, of Troy, is charged with one count of Child Endangerment (class 3 felony).
Roberta D. Cissell, 43, of Troy, is charged with one count of Child Endangerment (class 3 felony).
Investigators from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office and the Madison County Coroner’s Office processed the scene, authorities said. Three victims were identified and later pronounced dead as a result of several explosions at the residence.
The victims were identified as Madeleine I. Maxeiner, 18, of Troy; Ayden R. Hendrickson, 19, of Collinsville; and Paisley Nishwitz, 12, of Troy, the sheriff’s office said.
The suspect was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the release. Authorities also said multiple commercial-grade energetic devices were safely disposed of by the Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad.
During the investigation, authorities said, two additional residents were identified as guardians. After numerous interviews and the execution of multiple search warrants, the facts of the case were reviewed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Colton Cissell has been arrested and is being held at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing, authorities said. Authorities said Kenneth and Roberta Cissell will be arrested and processed but released because their charges are not detainable under the SAFE-T Act.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
