On Friday, Oct. 8 at approximately 7 a.m., the Great Bend Fire Department and Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence located in the 2800 block of 29th Street in Great Bend, in reference to a structure fire.
Upon arrival at the residence, members of the Great Bend Fire Department located a 59-year-old female inside of the residence and life saving measures were performed. The female was pronounced dead at the scene and during a preliminary investigation of the incident, arson was determined to be the cause of the fire. Investigators also determined that the deceased victim's death was the result of foul play.
Around 7:19 a.m., the Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence located in the 1500 block of Adams Street in reference to an aggravated burglary and battery related to the arson / homicide investigation.
The suspect left that area on foot and at approximately 8:12 a.m. was reported to be at Park Elementary School located at 1801 Williams Street. Police officers located the suspect, Lyndsay George, in the 2000 block of 19th Street.
After a physical altercation with police officers, George was arrested. After further investigation and interviews, George was booked into the Barton County jail on charges of murder in the 1st degree, aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, battery and criminal trespass.
George was transported to the Barton County Detention Center where she was booked in lieu of bond.
During the course of the investigation, members of the Great Bend Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office and the A.T.F. obtained and executed search warrants in the 2800 block of 29th Street and at the Traveler's Budget Inn located at 4200 10th Street in Great Bend.
During the execution and thorough search of those locations, items of evidence were located and seized.
The victim's name is not being released at this time pending notification of family members.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information in reference to this case is urged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300.