Read more: Local, Crime
LINN -- The Osage County Prosecutor has charged two Linn residents with felony murder, for allegedly running a meth lab in their apartment and causing a fire that killed a man.
John Tharp and Lisa Willer also face a charge of arson for causing a blaze at Judy’s Cafe in Linn.
That blaze killed Dan Mittenburg, 20, who lived in another apartment above the restaurant and was a student at Linn State Technical College.
"It was sad to see it happen,” Jim Robinson, a Linn resident who stopped by the cafe Friday afternoon said. “It was really sad."
Few neighbors were surprised by the news that a meth lab started the fire that claimed the life of Dan Mittenburg. The Linn Tech student lived in an apartment above the cafe and according to the prosecutor, had no connection to the drug activity in the building.
"Kind of a real tragedy what happened to Dan,” Chris Muenks, one of Dan’s instructors at Linn State Technical College said. “ It's very unfortunate that somebody's life got cut short that had so much promise."
Mittenburg was in his second year at the college. He hardly ever missed class, got good grades and was a representative for the student government.
"He really represented the college and the program really well,” Muenks said.
Mittenburg didn't have definite plans after graduation, other than to return to his home in Clinton Missouri and go to work.
"He was a popular guy,” Muenks said. “Dan didn't know any strangers. He got along well with others, intermingled. I think most people knew him around campus."
Linn residents hope this tragedy sends a message to others to stay away from the drugs that caused this death.
"I just can't understand how they can't understand what this drug does to them,” Robinson said.
A check of on-line court records show that both John Tharp and Lisa Willer have drug offenses in the past.
Tharp has spent time in jail for drug charges. If convicted in this case they could face 10 to 30 years in prison on each charge.
Linn State Technical College has several counselors on staff available to talk with students and staff.
