Iowa Department of Public Safety
Larry L. Noble, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

ISP Logo
John F. Quinn, Director

For immediate release:  
Friday, August 19, 2011  
Des Moines, Iowa  

DNA Confirms Identity of Deceased in Warren County Fire

Warren County, IOWA --- Autopsy tests have confirmed the remains of a deceased male found on July 31, 2011 in the burned home of Bill and Kay Wood, are that of 79 year old James "Bill" Wood. Autopsy results also indicate Bill Wood died of multiple gun shot wounds. The manner of death is considered homicide.

Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Michael Motsinger commented on the findings, "Officers working this investigation continue their efforts to find Kay Wood. We remain hopeful a suspect will be found and encourage anyone with information to contact DCI or the Warren County Sheriff's Office."

Law Enforcement officials in central Iowa are requesting information on a “Person of Interest” who may have information on the disappearance of 72 year old Kaidena "Kay" Wood of rural Warren County.  The “Person of Interest” was last seen near the Wood’s 2009 red Chevrolet Silverado pickup (Iowa license plate number 426 SOC) in Kansas City. The vehicle was found at the Cordillera Ranch Apartments at 8381 North Donnelly Ave in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, July 31st, 2011, and is now in the possession of the DCI.

The “Person of Interest” is described as a White Male in his late 40s to early 60s, 6’2”-6’6” tall, with a slender build and short, gray and white hair.

The home of Bill and Kay Wood was found engulfed in flames at 11:35 PM on Saturday, July 30, 2011.  The residents could not be located.  Police and fire officials were called immediately and got the fire under control during the night.

While searching the fire debris, Investigators found one body in the home. This person has now been identified as Bill Wood. Kay Wood is still considered a missing person.

Person Of Interest
Person of Interest in Disappearance of Kay Wood.

2009 Red Chevy Pickup
2009 Red Chevrolet Pickup

Investigators continue to seek information on the whereabouts of Kay and Bill Wood prior to the fire.  They also seek information on the Woods' 2009 red Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Law Enforcement would like to talk to anyone that may have seen this vehicle from Saturday, July 30, 2011 through Sunday, July 31, 2011.

Anyone with information about Kay or Bill Wood, the red pickup, or the “Person of Interest” should call the Warren County Dispatch Center at 515-961-1122, or Iowa State Patrol Communications at 515-323-4360.

Law Enforcement Information Flier on Person of Interest

"We would like to assure the citizens of Warren County and central Iowa, that investigators have found no evidence to indicate the community at large is in danger," said SAC Motsinger. "We simply encourage you to continue your daily routines and keep safety in mind as you go about business--as you should do everyday."

The missing person and home fire investigation continues.  The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is working cooperatively with the Division of the State Fire Marshal, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, North Warren Fire Department and law enforcement in Kansas City, Missouri.

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