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Questions remain in Stayton fire where boy was found dead


Community members left toys and balloons in front of a home in Stayton that burned Friday night. A 2-year-old boy was found dead. (KATU Photo)
Community members left toys and balloons in front of a home in Stayton that burned Friday night. A 2-year-old boy was found dead. (KATU Photo)
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Three days after a fire broke out in a Stayton home that killed a child, investigators have still not released details on what happened.

The fire broke out in a home along W. Washington Street Friday afternoon. Oregon State Police confirmed that a child was found dead inside. They did not identify the child, but multiple neighbors told KATU News it was a two-year-old boy.

On Monday, several community members left balloons, bears, cards, and more along the fence in front of the home.

“I helped babysit the little one that was here with one of my other friends that would help out. He was a really sweet kid,” said Sasha Golden, who lives in Stayton.

Golden says the fire is a big deal for a small town. Less than 8,000 people in Stayton.

“There is hardly any type of thing that happens around here,” she said.

Adam Crowther owns the home and rents it out to two people. He says he knows next to nothing about what happened. Investigators, he says, haven’t even let him inside.

“I haven't received any other information about what had actually happened, or anybody who was at fault for anything. They haven't really given me any other information, just questions. That's it,” Crowther said.

He said the child’s death was shocking, scary, and sad.

“Pretty much everything in a fire is replaceable except a human life, especially a child,” Crowther said.

Court records show Antonio and Karen Cervantes have been renting from Crowther. In October, Crowther notified them they were being evicted without cause. Crowther said they didn’t leave, which resulted in a court case.

Records show both sides most recently appeared in court on Thursday, the day before the fire. Crowther said they were supposed to be out by Feb. 10.

Oregon State Police are still investigating the fire and the death. Calls to the medical examiner were referenced back to OSP. Troopers told KATU News Monday they had nothing new to release.

The initial press release from OSP said they suspected arson. Over the weekend, troopers told KATU that may have been premature. They said, “a thorough and proper investigation takes time and we simply don't have the answers yet.”

A homicide team from Marion County is investigating.

What KATU News learned about the tenants who lived at the home and what happened the day before the fire:


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