Springfield Woman Identified in Glenarm Vehicle Fire

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office is investigating a vehicle fire that resulted in the death of a Springfield woman in the 600 block of Horse Farm Road near Glenarm.

Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed the identity of the deceased as 28-year-old Laquita Harris of Springfield. Harris was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy was conducted, and preliminary findings indicate she died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries sustained in the fire.

According to officials, a passerby first noticed a vehicle stopped in the roadway on the morning of March 22. At approximately 10:14 a.m., the same witness observed smoke coming from the vehicle, a Kia sport-utility, and called 9-1-1 after flames became visible.

The Divernon Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. Deputies from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office arrived and discovered Harris in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The Sheriff's Office is working in coordination with the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Sangamon & Menard Counties at (217) 788-8427 or the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (217) 753-6840.