Death Of Woman Found Dead Inside Burning House "Does Not Appear To Be A Homicide":

-

Kelly Barr Lawler-Ackfeld

The Greene County medical examiner's office says it was a gunshot wound to the abdomen that killed a woman found inside a burning house in Greene County over the weekend.

Thrity seven year-old Kelly Barr Lawler-Ackfeld was found dead inside the house at 2236 W. Nottingham after neighbors who were setting up for a garage sale around 7 a.m. alerted firefighters when they saw smoke coming from the house on Saturday (09-24-11).



House on Nottingham where Lawler-Ackfeld's body was found (courtesy Springfield News Leader)

 Lawler-Ackfeld and a man she had been living with were in court as recently as last week seeking protection orders against each other.  Lawler-Ackfeld said the man had broken her nose, pushed her down the stairs, knocked her out and had verbally threatened her.  In his filing, the man alleged Lawler-Ackfeld who was physically abusive and stalked him.

On Friday, a judge ordered Lawler-Ackfeld, (who had several wage garnishments filed against her in the last several months according to online court records,) to move out of the home, which the boyfriend owned, by noon Saturday.

Captain Jim Farrell of the Greene County Sheriff's office said in a news release, "Based upon the preliminary investigation the death of Kelly Lawler-Ackfeld does NOT appear to be a homicide."

Greene County deputy medical examiner Tom Van De Berg says the autopsy could not determine if the gunshot wound, which was fired from close range, was self-inflicted.  It will take about six weeks for toxicology reports to come back.

Visitation services for Lawler-Ackfeld will be held beginning at 6 p.m. Herman Lohmeyer funeral home.  Funeral services will be held on Friday September 30, 2011 at St. Agnes Cathedral.