Juveniles involved in arson that destroyed Leeton church

Leeton, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Johnson County Fire Protection District said Wednesday that juveniles are connected to the fire that destroyed the Leeton Methodist United Church on Monday night.

The church was "intentionally" set on fire, according to the Johnson County Fire Protection District.

Joe Jennings with the fire district said he couldn't share any more information because of laws preventing him from doing so, including how the fire was set, how the minor suspects were identified and how many people were involved.

The church held a prayer vigil for the 129-year-old building at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 106 N. Wall St.

"Together, we will rebuild — not just walls, but the spirit of love and fellowship that defines our Christian community and Leeton United Methodist Church," the church wrote in a Facebook post early Tuesday.

Church board of trustee chairperson Terry Elwell said there are plans to rebuild the church in the same spot. Rebuilding plans and timeline can't be made until after a structural evaluation is done.

"We're going to continue to march forward. We're going to continue to pray for that family. We forgive--we won't forget, but we will forgive," Elwell said.

Elwell said he was married in the church, and it's "sickening" to see it now.

Terry Elwell's son, Taylor, is the mayor of Leeton. Mayor Elwell said the prayer vigil is full of emotions for the community.

"I think working through all the emotions as a community, you know, hurt and anger, disbelief, but also resolve and understanding that there can be some good that comes out of this from our community," Mayor Elwell said.

Jennings said this 2025 fire is not connected to the Johnson County church that was destroyed by arson in July 2020.

Scott Taylor was arrested in September 2024 for arson in the Harmony Baptist Church burning, according to a press release from the fire district. The church was closed and demolished.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation, according to the release.