Three Arrested in Denver Bar Fire, Murders in Robbery Gone Wrong

Oct. 18, 2012— -- Three people have been arrested in connection with the Denver bar fire that left five people dead, police said today.

Investigators said today that they believe the motive for the murders and the fire was robbery, according to ABC News affiliate KMGH.

They said Wednesday that the fire was called into the department around 1:50 a.m., just 10 minutes before Fero's Bar & Grill typically closes. As firefighters battled flames at the back of the bar, five people were pulled from the fire and declared dead. They had already been killed before the fire was set, police said. All five individuals were killed by trauma, though police would not give specifics as to their cause of death.

"The arson was set to cover up the crime scene," said Saunier. "They [the victims] did not perish in the fire."

The suspects will likely be charged with murder, arson, and aggravated robbery, police said. Police arrested three men Wednesday night, including Dexter Louis, age 22, Joseph Hill, age 27, and Lynell Hill, age 24, in the Denver Area, KMGH reported.

"We believe we have everyone identified that was involved," Denver police commander Lt. Ronald Saunier said.

The Denver police department worked with the U.S. Marshall's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives on making the arrests, police said today.

The victims names were released by the Denver Medical Examiner's Office Wednesday as bar owner Young Fero, 63; Daria M. Phol, 21; Kellene Fallon, 44; Ross Richter, 29; and Tereasa Beesley, 45.