(Clarifies service is May 27th)
Officials with the Twigg Funeral Home in Guthrie Center have announced Memorial Services will be held this Saturday, May 27th, for two teens who died in a May 15th arson fire at their home. Services for 16-year old Shakiah Marie Cockerham and 12-year old Melanie “Paige” Exline, of Guthrie Center, will take place in the Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center High School Auditorium in Guthrie Center, beginning 10:30-a.m. Saturday. No visitation is planned.
Shakiah and Paige’s uncle, 54 year old William Long, III suffered severe burns to his upper body and was flown to an Omaha hospital for treatments. Their grandmother, 74 year old Shirley Exline, suffered minor injuries.
The Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office concluded that the house fire was a result of Arson. No arrests have been made in connection with the ongoing investigation.