Louisville investigators honored after identifying suspect in 2015 arson that killed 3

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Members of the Louisville Fire Department's Arson Bureau are being honored for solving a cold case from ten years ago.

In July 2015, firefighters were called early in the morning to a fire at a three-story building on South 2nd Street. Several people were trapped inside apartments, and the building was engulfed in flames.

Florence "Flo" Filatreau, Theresa Schultz and John Bullock all died as a result of the fire. Two others were injured seriously injured jumping from third story windows, and four people were left homeless.

LFD determined someone intentionally started the fire. Arson investigators found video surveillance of a person that was seen leaving the building just before the fire was reported. They released an image at the time and continued to follow leads.

Now, ten years later, Louisville Fire Assistant Chief Bobby Cooper said the suspect has been identified.

"It completes the investigation. It avoids mistaken identities, and the lesson learned from this case aids future investigations," Cooper said.

Mayor Greenberg recognized investigators from LFD's Arson Bureau and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) who solved the case.

"Even after hundreds of hours of work, these investigators never gave up," said Mayor Greenberg. "That’s a testament to the quality of these public safety professionals, and I’m so glad they could provide meaningful closure to victims and their families."

Four investigators were recognized:

Major Jason Sanders, LFD

Captain Dustin Barlow, LFD

John Black, Special Agent, Certified Fire investigator (ATF)

Cliff Johnson, Intelligence Research Specialist (ATF)

Mayor Greenberg said the clearance rate of the Louisville Fire Department’s Arson Bureau is two times the national average.

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