From the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
As of March 31, 2022, Investigators with the Nebraska Fire Marshall, North Platte Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continue the search for North Platte resident Jerome Vieyra.
Today, Investigators again searched the huge pile of rubble that was previously searched on March 25, 2022. After a few hours of searching, Investigators did locate human remains in the pile of rubble. The remains were removed and secured.
An autopsy is scheduled for next week for identification purposes and cause of death.
The investigation continues in this matter.
Original Story
UPDATE 3/25/22 9:40 p.m.
Late this afternoon, the North Platte Fire Marshall reported that their investigation did not lead to the recovery of the individual who was seen by police inside the building prior to the structure fire.
The individual contacted by police last night was the property owner, 37 year old Jerome F. Vieyra. Jerome is a suspect in the arson fire.
At this time, Jerome has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as an endangered missing person. Jerome is 5’10”, 190 lbs, brown eyes and black hair.
If anyone knows of Jerome’s whereabouts, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789.
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NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-One person is believed to be dead following a fire in North Platte.
On March 24, at approximately 10:48 p.m., the North Platte 911 Center received reports of gunshots in the area of Rodeo Rd and Carr. Multiple callers reported hearing gunshots as well as the discharge of fireworks.
North Platte Police Officers responded to investigate and made contact with an individual at 1900 Rodeo Rd. This is a large commercial property and the individual was inside of the building near an open overhead garage door.
There was a small fire inside of the building. The officers ordered the man out of the building but he refused their instructions and retreated into the building.
The North Platte Fire Department was dispatched and assistance was requested from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol.
The officers secured the building after receiving information that there were a large number of fireworks inside. By 11:50 PM, the building was reported to be fully engulfed.
The individual whom the police had contact with, was last seen inside of the building. A source told The Post there was no way out of the building and the subject is believed to be deceased.
Out of concern that a grand jury may be convened, the incident is being investigated by the Nebraska Fire Marshal’s office, the North Platte Fire Marshal’s office and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office.