Fire, death under investigation

Monday, March 10, 2025 at 3:18 PM

By Johnny McCrory

A residential fire with death remains under investigation.

Just before 6 p.m. Friday, a call was received involving a Howard County fire in the 4700 block south of 500 East. A victim was believed entrapped in the fire.

Taylor Township, Greentown Fire and Harrison Township were dispatched along with Tipton Fire Department medics and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office.

Shortly after units arrived, the victim was found inside the home and declared dead at the scene. Preliminary identification was made as Judith Margo Dybalski, 80. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

The Howard County Coroner’s Office and Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene to investigate.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Ernie Shirey at 765-614-3449 or by submitting a tip thru the sheriff’s office app or online at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov .