Police in Denver arrested three suspects late Wednesday in connection with the bar fire that was started to cover up the murders of five people.
Denver police and federal agents arrested Dexter Lewis, 22, Joseph Hill, 27, and Lynell Hill, 24, around 11 p.m. Wednesday, Denver Police Commander Ron Saunier told reporters at a press conference Thursday.
Saunier said the motive in setting fire to Fero’s Bar & Grill was robbery.
“They came in there, it wound up being a robbery,” Saunier said. “The arson was set to try to cover up the crime scene.”
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The Denver medical examiner identified the victims as Young Fero, 63, the bar’s owner, Daria M. Pohl, 22, Kellene Fallon, 45, Ross Richter, 29, and Tereasa Beesley, 45.
Saunier said detectives believe the victims were killed before the fire started. He also said there were obvious signs of trauma to the victims’ bodies.
Saunier said they do not expect to make any more arrests, but they will continue to investigate and execute search warrants. “At this time we believe we have everybody identified that’s been involved in this,” he said.
The three men are being held on various charges, including five counts of first-degree murder, felony murder, aggravated robbery, and arson. More charges are likely to follow.
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The fire was reported at 1:47 a.m., just before the bar’s 2 a.m. closing time Wednesday morning.
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