Full Notification

December 23, 2014

The Warsaw Police Department is now conducting a homicide investigation in the December 19, 2014, residential fire located at 1031 E. Smith Street in Warsaw in which 34-year-old, Sarah Gibbs, was found deceased inside the residence.

A forensic autopsy was performed at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center, and today the Warsaw Police Department received the preliminary coroner’s verdict. The results of the autopsy indicate that the injuries sustained by the victim are not associated with the progression of the fire. Kosciusko County Coroner, Michael Wilson, advised, “These injuries are consistent with injuries associated with an assault by someone other than oneself.” These findings, along with the preliminary findings of the forensic pathologist, indicate that Sarah Gibbs’ death was the result of an intentional, deliberate act of another, and not self- inflicted.

While fire investigators continue the investigation into the cause and origin in which the fire started, Warsaw Police detectives are investigating the death of Sarah Gibbs as a homicide.

Members of the Kosciusko Major Crime Scene Investigation unit, Warsaw Police detectives, and fire investigators continue the investigation.

The Warsaw Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with this ongoing investigation. Anyone familiar with Sarah Gibbs and/or anyone that may have information pertaining to this investigation is asked to call the Warsaw Police Department Detective Division tip line at (574) 807-9159.

(Photo of Gibbs attached)