Tragedy unfolds in the northeast community of Laurel after four people were killed overnight at two crime scenes. Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Colonel John Bolduc and Cedar County Sheriff Larry Koranda held a news conference this afternoon to provide an update on events that unfolded overnight.
Colonel Bolduc says Cedar County 911 received a call at 3 a.m. Thursday of a house explosion at 209 Elm Street. One person was found dead inside that home.
As fire crews were battling that fire, Cedar County 911 received a second call of a house fire at 503 Elm Street. Three people were found dead inside that residence. Colonel Bolduc says, “fire investigators believe that accelerant may have been used in both of these fires. They also believe that anyone who was inside the homes at that time may have been burned. Therefore, it is possible that the suspect or suspects may have received burn injuries during these incidents.”
After fire suppression efforts were successful this afternoon at the scene in the 500 block of Elm Street in Laurel, investigators have been able to examine the crime scene and now identify that gunfire is suspected to have played a part in the incidents at both homes. Fire investigators also believe that the fire in the 500 block of Elm Street may have started around the same time as the reported explosion in the 200 block of Elm Street.
However, indications of that fire weren’t visible outside the home for hours. Both incidents are now believed to have occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. Thursday.
Based on that time frame, NSP is requesting anyone that may have seen anything out-of-the-ordinary in Laurel between midnight and 4:00 a.m. to report it immediately. Tips can be reported to 402-479-4921.
Additionally, based on this focused time frame of the fires, investigators now believe the previously sought silver sedan reported by a member of the public may have left Laurel much later after the incidents than previously thought.
There have been reports of a silver sedan leaving Laurel around the time of the explosion and fire and was eastbound on Highway 20. A passenger may have been picked up on the way out of town.
Public Safety Teams are working to keep the community safe as the investigation continues.