Reward offered in City of Parma arson cases

PARMA, Mo. — A combined total of $20,000 in reward money is being offered for information about last week’s fires at the Parma City Hall and the former mayor’s residence.

According to the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Parma is offering a $15,000-reward for the information that leads to the conviction of the person(s) responsible for the arson. This is in addition to the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office reward of up to $5,000 also for the information that leads to the conviction of the person(s) responsible.

At about 12:40 a.m. April 17, Lilbourn and Malden Fire Departments were dispatched to a fire at the home of former Parma City Mayor Tyus Byrd. After containing the fire at the residence, the fire departments left the scene and discovered smoke coming from Parma City Hall. Upon further investigation, the fire departments located and extinguished a fire.

Close-up of fire and flames on a black background (Huge file)

Close-up of fire and flames on a black background (Huge file)

Investigators from New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control began an arson investigation.

Anyone with information should call the sheriff’s department at (573) 748-6633.