05/30/2026
Update:
As of approximately 2:15pm, Kenneth R. Cissell and Roberta D. Cissell are in custody. They will be booked and released. Booking photos have been added.
There is no additional information to share at this time.
Home Explosion Suspect Arrested
On Sunday, April 5, 2026 the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a house fire.
The scene was processed by investigators from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, FBI, Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Madison County Coroner’s Office.
Three victims were identified and later pronounced deceased as a result of several explosions at the residence.
The suspect was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Multiple commercial-grade energetic devices were safely disposed of by the Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad. During the investigation, two additional residents were identified as guardians.
Following an extensive investigation, including but not limited to numerous interviews and the ex*****on of multiple search warrants, the facts of the case were reviewed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office.
On May 20, 2026, Colton K. Cissell (W/M) DOB: 5/17/2004 was charged with:
Count 1: Possession of Explosives or Explosive or Incendiary Devices (Class 1 Felony)
Count 2: Involuntary Manslaughter (Class 2 Felony)
Count 3: Involuntary Manslaughter (Class 2 Felony)
Count 4: Involuntary Manslaughter (Class 3 Felony)
Count 5: Endangering the Life or Health of a Child (Class 3 Felony)
Count 6: Possession of Explosive Material without a License (Class 3 Felony)
Kenneth R. Cissell (W/M) DOB: 2/16/1978 was charged with:
Count 1: Endangering the Life or Health of a Child (Class 3 Felony)
Roberta D. Cissell (W/F) DOB: 9/11/1982 was charged with:
Count 1: Endangering the Life or Health of a Child (Class 3 Felony)
Colton has been arrested and is currently in custody at the Madison County Jail pending a detention hearing. Kenneth and Roberta remain at large. After recent inquiries in reference to detention, it should be noted that Kenneth and Roberta will be arrested and processed but will be released as their charges are not detainable per the SAFE-T Act.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.