Infamous house in Republic burned down without permission

REPUBLIC, Mo. -- Part of Greene County history was purposefully burned down this week, but without permission.

The so-called Young Brothers house on Farm Road 148 in Republic was torched by its current owners to clear the land for future use.

In 1932, this place was the site of the worst massacre of law enforcement in the 20th Century.

Three Springfield policemen, the Greene County Sheriff and two Greene County deputies were all shot and killed. They were ambushed after showing up to arrest Harry and Jennings Young, who were held up inside. The brothers were wanted for several crimes, including the murder of the Republic City Marshal.

Fox 49 spoke with the Republic Fire Department, who said that despite the history, the house had no official historical designation or limitations placed on it and it was private property.

According to state law, it is not a crime to burn down your property as long as there is no malicious intent. However, the fire chief said the owners did not obtain demolition or burn permits from the city.

The Republic Fire Chief says the case is now in the hands of the Department of Natural Resources.