Cassidy Rainwater: 2 Devices Attached to Tripwires Found at Burned-down Home of Woman’s Suspected Kidnapper

Missouri authorities said they located two incendiary devices at the burned-at home of one of two suspects charged with kidnapping a missing woman.

James Phelps, 58, was in custody when his Lebanon home burned to the ground last week. A Springfield Fire Department report stated that the bomb squad discovered two suspicious devices on Phelps’ property — both of which were attached to a tripwire, according to the Springfield News-Leader.

The fire department wrote that the devices were made out of mortar tubes, balloons, and coiled fuses.

Phelps and co-defendant Timothy Norton, 56, were behind bars when the fire occurred. The pair was arrested late last month for kidnapping Cassidy Rainwater, 33, who has been missing since July 25.

Court documents alleged that Rainwater was held captive in a cage on Phelps’ property. Dallas County police reportedly found two pictures of a partially-nude Rainwater in the cage in Phelps’ phone.

Phelps reportedly told police that Rainwater was living with him while she “got back on her feet,” but she left in the middle of the night for Colorado.

Meanwhile, Norton reportedly told cops that on July 24, Phelps had him come to his house to help restrain Rainwater. Norton also said he “physically confine[d]” Rainwater by “holding her down for a substantial period of time.”

Norton allegedly confessed that he knew Rainwater was being confined in a cage at Phelps’ home.

Previously, authorities only disclosed that the bomb squad had detonated a device at Phelps’ home, which was completely destroyed. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Phelps and Norton are charged with first-degree kidnapping, but police have indicated that additional charges are forthcoming. Their preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode:

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

[Featured image: Cassidy Rainwater/Dallas County Sheriff’s Office]