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SYRACUSE -ÊPolice have identified the man killed in a house explosion Wednesday afternoon.
Brian Stratton, 48, of Syracuse, was killed when the house at 9447 N. Koher Road exploded around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday. Stratton's body was burned badly and had to be identified using dental records.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, but it is believed to be related to an illegal methamphetamine lab being operated there.
Police said evidence of an illegal methamphetamine lab was found in the house, but they did not know if the lab caused the explosion.
Stratton was renting the home. James Jagel and Michael Janecek, both of Chicago, own the property.
The Syracuse, North Webster, Cromwell and Ligonier fire departments responded to the scene of the fire, and the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana State Fire Marshal continue to investigate the explosion and death.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Kosciusko County Drug Task Force, Kosciusko County Coroner's Office, Indiana State Fire Marshal, Syracuse Fire Department and North Webster Fire Department are assisting with the investigation.
