Juvenile Suspects Identified in Missouri Church Arson Case

Authorities in Johnson County, Mo., have identified several juveniles they believe are responsible for the arson fire at historic Leeton United Methodist Church, which is located about 75 miles east of Kansas City.

The town of 549 has grieved previously over the loss of a church.  In September 2024, a Raymore man was sentenced for destroying Leeton’s Harmony Baptist Church in 2020.

The Christian community, still mourning that loss, has yet another one to contend with.

“Our hearts are heavy to share that a fire occurred at our church building on Monday night, October 20,” the church posted on Facebook. “Thanks to the quick and courageous response of local firefighters, the fire was brought under control after several hours, and we are deeply grateful that no one was injured.

“We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who responded — including the Johnson County Fire Protection District, Warrensburg Fire Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Leeton Police Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office — for their dedication and service to our community. While the 129-year-old building suffered significant damage, we are deeply grateful that it still stands and that some meaningful items were able to be saved.

“This news is heartbreaking. Our church has stood at the heart of Leeton since 1896, serving as a place of worship, community and history for generations. We are devastated, but we are not without hope. Our faith and our community have always been stronger than any building. We ask for your continued prayers for our congregation and for healing in our community. Together, we will rebuild — not just walls, but the spirit of love and fellowship that defines our Christian community and Leeton United Methodist Church.”

This was not the first church arson in the area. In July 2020, someone set fire to Harmony Baptist Church just outside Leeton’s city limits. That church, which was more than 100 years old, burned to the ground and was demolished. Scott Gregory Taylor of Raymore was charged with arson in September 2024. Court records show he posted bond just several days after being charged and is set to face trial next month.

The response from the broader community has been immediate, and more than a dozen places have offered space for Sunday worship.

The blaze is one of many that have occurred across Missouri and Kansas in recent years. Providence Baptist Church and its parsonage were destroyed by two simultaneous fires in 2024. Mount Washington Missionary Baptist sustained significant damage in a July 2023 fire in Kansas City.

In May, 2025, a Missouri man was sentenced to 111 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp for the Eastern District of Missouri for burning down a Cape Girardeau, Missourichurch in 2021. He was also ordered to pay $6,968,223.36 in restitution for damages incurred by the church.

–Dwight Widaman