BATTLE CREEK (WKZO AM/FM) — There is new information on a troubling case of sexual assault and possible arson to cover up the crime in a Battle Creek neighborhood.
Detective Sergeant Todd Elliott says they received a report on June 12th that two brothers, ages 6 and 8, were assaulted by three other boys, ages 11, 12, and 13 the same day a garage caught fire.
The young victims told their mother about the assault when she began to question if something was wrong.
Initial reports said the juveniles dropped a marijuana cigarette on a mattress in the garage and the boys threw liquid on it that turned out to be gasoline, causing the entire detached garage to go up in flames.
But now investigators are looking into if the fire was intentionally set.
The three older boys are being held at the Calhoun County Juvenile Home on criminal sexual conduct charges and authorities say there could possibly be more victims.
Elliott says because of the nature of the crime it’s a high priority case with their department.
