On August 16, 1994, a tragic fire led to the death of four-year-old Avery Bailum in Springfield, Ohio. Early that morning, at approximately 6:15 a.m., Springfield Police and Fire Divisions responded to a reported house fire at 17 Miller Street. Upon arrival, the fire crews found the residence fully engulfed in flames. There were ten people in the house, and nine managed to escape the burning building. The adults acted quickly, dropping children from the second-story windows to safety.
However, young Avery ran and hid under his bed, and could not be rescued in time.
The investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally set. Arson investigators determined that a flammable liquid had been poured on the porch and then ignited. Despite the heroic efforts of the adults in the home, Avery was not found before it was too late. The Springfield Police Department, along with other authorities, continues to seek any information that may lead to answers regarding who was responsible for the fire.
Avery's death remains an unsolved homicide, and law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to Avery and his family. His case is still listed among the unsolved homicides handled by the Ohio Attorney General's office, highlighting the ongoing effort to seek justice for Avery and others like him.
