A year long investigation by members of Troop C of the Pennsylvania State Police continues into a structure fire that occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on July 12, 2007, at 90 Dr. Fugate Drive in the Borough of Sykesville, Jefferson County.

The fire consumed a large portion of the residence, and an investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall Unit has concluded that the fire was intentionally set.

State Police are requesting assistance from the general public in locating the resident of the home, Joey Lynn Offutt, 33, who has been missing since the time of the fireFannie, Freddie rescue pushes housing aid. Offutt is five feet three inches tall, thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes. Offutt has been officially declared a missing person and has been entered into the national crime information center data base as such.

On July 16, 2007, Offutt’s red 1994 Saturn Coupe bearing Virginia Registration: JXN8871 was located along Waupelani Drive in State College, but Offutt still remains missing.

As previously reported, the remains of an infant child were discovered inside the burned Dr. Fugate Drive residence by state police investigators, and subsequent DNA testing on these remains has confirmed that the infant is Joey Lynn Offutt’s son, Alexis Alfred Brolin, III. At this time, the cause and manner of Brolin’s death has not yet been determined.

Additional information about Offutt can be found on the website http://www.findjoey.org/default.asp which was created by her family to assist in locating her.

Anyone who knows Offutt’s whereabouts, comes into contact with her, or has had contact with her since July 5, 2007, is requested to contact DuBois State Police at (814) 371-4652, Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS, or by dialing 911.

Please direct all media requests for information regarding this case to Trooper Bruce A. Morris, Troop C Public Information Officer, 15010 Boot Jack Road, Ridgway, PA 15853, (814) 776-6136.