Homepage / Kansas City News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

911 Call Helps Unravel Cole Camp Killings

Police Say Call Helped Lead To Arrest

POSTED: 5:29 pm CDT July 2, 2009
UPDATED: 8:55 pm CDT July 2, 2009

Law enforcement officials said a garbled 911 message helped lead them to an arrest in the triple homicide case in Cole Camp, Mo., in June.

A Benton County Sheriff Department's probable cause statement detailed a 911 message that they received on Sunday, June 7. Two days later, the bodies of Taron Luetjen, 15, and her grandparents -- Donnie Luetjen, 64, and Sharon Luetjen, 61 -- were found in their house.

Authorities said Thursday that a cell phone message from inside the Luetjen house led police to their suspect. Robert Blurton was arrested at his home in Garnett, Kan.

In an affidavit, the Benton County sheriff said the 911 call came in to the county's central dispatch at 10:16 on the night of Sunday, June 7. The sheriff told KCTV5 that the call was recorded, but couldn't be understood at first.

"The dispatcher didn't have enough information on it," said Sheriff Rick Fajen. "It was a cell phone. It went from there (the house). We just didn’t know anyone was on there."

Dispatchers immediately called the cell phone number back, police said. But nobody answered. The dispatcher's call went to an unidentified voice mailbox.

The bodies of the three victims were found two days later on June 9. At one point during that investigation, authorities connected the dots. The road led back to the 911 call.

Police analyzed the call and got a horrifying picture of what happened in the Luetjen home. Police said the call revealed audible discussions in the background.

Investigators said a male voice directed Sharon Luetjen to sit down, and put her arms behind her back. They also said they heard the male voice make at least two threats to shoot Sharon and the other two victims -- Donnie and Taron.

Authorities said that during the investigation they contacted an unidentified person who came to Cole Camp on June 17 and listened to the 911 recording. The person identified the voice as being Blurton's voice.

Blurton is awaiting extradition back to Missouri where he will face three counts of first-degree murder.

Police heard other male voices on that tape and are still searching for others who may have been involved in the killings.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Boost your home value and make buyers bite with these bathroom updates. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Snacking can be a healthy part of your diet, as long as you choose the right snacks. Get tips for eating between meals. More

Sponsored Links

Health Topics & Information

Many seemingly healthy foods are actually bad for your heart. Learn how to replace the imposters with nutritionally rich foods. More