Man Charged in Child Abduction Also Suspect in Fenton House Explosion

Ryan Beckler, who just last week stole a Jeep with a baby inside in Imperial, may be connected with a July 6 house explosion on the very same street where he lives.

The man charged with stealing a Jeep with a baby inside on Nov. 14 from a gas station in Imperial is the same man suspected of blowing up a house July 6 near his own home on Palatine Court in Fenton. Ryan Beckler, 21, of the 2200 block of Palatine Court, has been charged in Jefferson County with stealing a motor vehicle, kidnapping-facilitating a felony and endangering the welfare of a child. There also are several charges pending in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's office in connection with a house explosion July 6 in Fenton. Charges, including arson in the first degree, arson in the second degree, destruction of property and resisting arrest by flight, were applied for on July 24, the date Beckler was released from Mercy …

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"It Woke Up the Whole Neighborhood"

Palatine Court house explosion in Fenton leaves neighborhood strewn with debris.

Photos of the Aftermath of the House Explosion on Palatine Court, Fenton

Three-bedroom home explodes around 5 a.m. Friday morning. Police are investigating the cause.

A gallery of photos showing the aftermath of a massive explosion and fire on Palatine Court in Fenton Friday morning. Check here for the story about the explosion: "It Woke Up the Whole Neighborhood."

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