Cassidy Rainwater case: Home of alleged kidnapper burns down after new evidence uncovered

DALLAS COUNTY, Mo. (TCD) -- The home of one of Cassidy Rainwater’s alleged kidnappers was reportedly engulfed in flames Monday night after the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department uncovered more evidence.

Rainwater, who was reported missing in August, was last seen in July. FBI agents were given an anonymous tip that led them to a residence in Windyville in September.

On Sept. 16, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office investigators received a search warrant for James Phelps' cell phone and reportedly discovered photos of Rainwater partially nude in a cage on his property. Timothy Norton was later questioned by authorities before admitting that he helped Phelps restrain Rainwater. Phelps and Norton were arrested and charged with one count of first-degree kidnapping, facilitating a felony, inflicting injury, and terrorizing.

On Oct. 4, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office announced that the FBI received information on Rainwater’s whereabouts and forwarded that intel to Dallas County  Detectives. On that same day, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office said they served a search warrant at a Moon Valley Road address where they uncovered more evidence for further investigation.

KOLR-TV reports the night of Oct. 4, at around 10 p.m., a day before Phelps and Norton were scheduled to appear in court, Phelps' home burned to the ground.

As first responders fought the flames, a Dallas County deputy discovered a tripwire-like tool, KOLR reports. The Springfield bomb squad reportedly arrived at the scene to investigate further and detonated an explosive device near the fire. Further information has not been released at this time.

According to KOLR, Phelps and Norton appeared in court via video conference from the Dallas County Jail Tuesday. Officials have not announced whether Rainwater has been found.

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