Topline: Prosecutors say explosive materials being made and stored inside a Troy home led to an Easter blast that killed three people, including a 12-year-old girl.
Published: June 2, 2026 3:30 pm ET
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From left: Kenneth Cissell, Roberta Cissell, and Colton Cissell (via Madison County Sheriff's Office)
TROY, IL — Three people have been charged in connection with an Easter Sunday home explosion on Kirsch Road that killed 18-year-old Madeleine Cissell, 19-year-old Ayden Hendrickson and 12-year-old Paisley Nishwitz.
Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the initial blast was caused by the mishandling of commercial-grade energetic material. Multiple explosions followed, and the home caught fire. Neighbors told investigators it looked like fireworks were shooting from the burning house.
Madison County prosecutors announced Saturday that 22-year-old Colton Cissell was charged with unlawful possession, storage or transfer of explosive material with intent to commit another offense, two counts of involuntary manslaughter of a family member, one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of child endangerment and another explosives charge. Prosecutors have also filed a petition to deny his pretrial release, arguing he poses a danger to the public. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
Kenneth Cissell, 48, and Roberta Cissell, 43, were each charged with child endangerment for allegedly allowing explosive devices to be manufactured in the home. If convicted, they face probation or up to 10 years in prison.
KSDK reported that court records say the parents escaped the fire by crawling out of a bedroom window, while their son was found severely burned in the driveway and airlifted to a St. Louis hospital. Search warrants say the parents told investigators their son made bombs from Tannerite for a firework-making club, and investigators later found cardboard tubes, molds, wiring and fuses inside his car. Court documents also say Colton Cissell admitted using a laser cutter near the area where explosives were stored. The investigation remains ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Prosecutors say explosive materials being made and stored inside a Troy home led to an Easter blast that killed three people, including a 12-year-old girl.
By Silvia Torres
Published: June 2, 2026 3:30 pm ET
From left: Kenneth Cissell, Roberta Cissell, and Colton Cissell (via Madison County Sheriff's Office)
TROY, IL — Three people have been charged in connection with an Easter Sunday home explosion on Kirsch Road that killed 18-year-old Madeleine Cissell, 19-year-old Ayden Hendrickson and 12-year-old Paisley Nishwitz.
Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the initial blast was caused by the mishandling of commercial-grade energetic material. Multiple explosions followed, and the home caught fire. Neighbors told investigators it looked like fireworks were shooting from the burning house.
Madison County prosecutors announced Saturday that 22-year-old Colton Cissell was charged with unlawful possession, storage or transfer of explosive material with intent to commit another offense, two counts of involuntary manslaughter of a family member, one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of child endangerment and another explosives charge. Prosecutors have also filed a petition to deny his pretrial release, arguing he poses a danger to the public. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
Kenneth Cissell, 48, and Roberta Cissell, 43, were each charged with child endangerment for allegedly allowing explosive devices to be manufactured in the home. If convicted, they face probation or up to 10 years in prison.
KSDK reported that court records say the parents escaped the fire by crawling out of a bedroom window, while their son was found severely burned in the driveway and airlifted to a St. Louis hospital. Search warrants say the parents told investigators their son made bombs from Tannerite for a firework-making club, and investigators later found cardboard tubes, molds, wiring and fuses inside his car. Court documents also say Colton Cissell admitted using a laser cutter near the area where explosives were stored. The investigation remains ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Parents Escaped Through Window as Explosion Killed Daughter, Two Others; Son Now Faces Manslaughter Charges
Prosecutors say explosive materials being made and stored inside a Troy home led to an Easter blast that killed three people, including a 12-year-old girl.
By Silvia Torres
Published: June 2, 2026 3:30 pm ET
From left: Kenneth Cissell, Roberta Cissell, and Colton Cissell (via Madison County Sheriff's Office)
TROY, IL — Three people have been charged in connection with an Easter Sunday home explosion on Kirsch Road that killed 18-year-old Madeleine Cissell, 19-year-old Ayden Hendrickson and 12-year-old Paisley Nishwitz.
Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the initial blast was caused by the mishandling of commercial-grade energetic material. Multiple explosions followed, and the home caught fire. Neighbors told investigators it looked like fireworks were shooting from the burning house.
Madison County prosecutors announced Saturday that 22-year-old Colton Cissell was charged with unlawful possession, storage or transfer of explosive material with intent to commit another offense, two counts of involuntary manslaughter of a family member, one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of child endangerment and another explosives charge. Prosecutors have also filed a petition to deny his pretrial release, arguing he poses a danger to the public. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.
Kenneth Cissell, 48, and Roberta Cissell, 43, were each charged with child endangerment for allegedly allowing explosive devices to be manufactured in the home. If convicted, they face probation or up to 10 years in prison.
KSDK reported that court records say the parents escaped the fire by crawling out of a bedroom window, while their son was found severely burned in the driveway and airlifted to a St. Louis hospital. Search warrants say the parents told investigators their son made bombs from Tannerite for a firework-making club, and investigators later found cardboard tubes, molds, wiring and fuses inside his car. Court documents also say Colton Cissell admitted using a laser cutter near the area where explosives were stored. The investigation remains ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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