Law enforcement officials with the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, have identified the cousins that died in the May 15 fire in Guthrie Center.

They have been identified as 16-year-old Shakiah Cockerham and 12-year-old Melanie “Paige” Exline, both of Guthrie Center.

Shakiah and Paige’s uncle, 54-year-old William Long, III suffered severe burns to his upper body and was flown to Omaha, NE, where he remains hospitalized with those injuries.  Their grandmother, 74-year-old Shirley Exline, suffered minor injuries.

The Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded that the house fire was a result of arson and therefore a criminal investigation into the arson and deaths is taking place.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office at (641) 747-2214.

The previously scheduled prayer service in the AC/GC High School auditorium tonight has been postponed at the request of the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, due to the on-going investigation. Ministerial Association Spokesperson Linda Jordan tells Raccoon Valley Radio the service will go on at a later date.