Since there is no evidence of smoke inhalation, the coroner determines that Nanette must have been killed before the fire started. Steve notices that the security system at their home has been deactivated, Nanette places a call from her cell phone, Fire department puts out fire and searches for Nanette, Nanette's remains are autopsied and her death is ruled a homicide, Louisiana Firefighter Files For Whistleblower Protection, Murder of Nanette Krentel investigated on Still A Mystery, Today marks four years since Nanette Krentel was killed and her home set ablaze to cover up her murder, Complaints Against Former Fire Chief Turned Over to LA Sheriff's, In 2017, This Preschool Teacher Was Found Shot In The Head And Burned Beyond Recognition In Her Home, But Authorities Still Have Not Made Any Arrests Chip Chick, LA - Nanette Watson Krentel, 49, found dead in house fire, Lacombe, 14 Jul 2017, Episode 3: More and More Afraid - Beyond Bardstown: Lacombe | A true-crime podcast from WWL-TV. For starters, traces of fire accelerant were found throughout the house, hinting strongly at the possibility of the fire being intentional. She will be remembered for her kind heart and her love for animals and children. She made the world a better place. Friday, July 14th, 2017, started out as a typical day. In the days following the fire at the Krentel home, officials send out a press release to the public, confirming that Nanette's remains were discovered in the Krentel home. After his return, Steve is investigated in a civil service probe. She was and remains our angel. Mom. The fire department responds immediately upon receiving the call. Five years ago, the wife of a Northshore fire chief, Nanette Krentel, was found shot and the Lacombe home they shared burned down around her. quote: The Krentel case in Lacombe, LA. Even her husband was present on the scene with his unit and helped bring the flames under control. Today, the reward for information in Nanette's case sits at $5,000. I do not have words to express the tragedy of her loss. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. After receiving a request from Nanette's family to preserve her body for a second autopsy, St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston agrees. 12, will be . Pic credit: St. Tammany Parish Fire District 12. A celebration of her life and visitation will be held at2:00 pmin St. Michael's Episcopal Church's Parish Life Center. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation offer aid to the St. Tammany Sheriff's Office for the investigation into Nanette's death. Thank you for always making my heart and soul smile!!!! Nanette will be missed by all. She said she wanted to see a memorial that Stephen Krentel had erected at the site. You would just not believe the rumor and speculation that takes place on social media with a case like this, says Capt. She will be remembered for her kind heart and her love for animals and children. ABC. Her body and those of her dog and two cats were found in the rubble. After a lengthy probe, her husband, St. Tammany Fire District 12 Chief Steve Krentel, was cleared, as were a number of other suspects. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. You name it, it is there. However, police ruled him out after security video placed him at his moms house on the day of the killing. Investigators initially thought the retired preschool teacher died in the house fire, but the death was ruled a homicide when a . Coroner agrees to family's request to preserve Nanette's remains for a second autopsy. Scott Lee tells PEOPLE. Nanette pulled over, called for help, and lent moral and emotional support as we waited for the wrecker to arrive. By Sara Pagones. "This is a perfect story for the social media trolls," he tells PEOPLE . However, looking into their whereabouts at the time of the murder, authorities noticed that they had rock-solid alibis, which indicated their innocence. Further into the investigation, law enforcement reviewed an email that Nanette had sent to her father at the end of June, which contained an image of an unknown individual on her property. I will always cherish the "Louisiana" plate you made for me as a housewarming gift. The obituary was featured in The Times-Picayune on July 19 . Meanwhile, Yolanda Bindics went to pick up milk on her way home; her decomposed remains were found in a forest two years later. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. However, even the email led nowhere as the police were unable to track down the man in question. As they were leaving the property, according to Wendy, they were confronted by Steve, who chased them away in his vehicle. Nannette Krenzel's Killer Wanted To Inflict 'Great Punishment' On Her. On the afternoon of July 14, 2017, her body was discovered inside her rural home in Lacombe, Louisiana. Nanette Krentel had been killed, her house set ablaze, and police soon learned that in the weeks leading up to her murder, someone had threatened her life. Had he killed his wife and set his home ablaze? Steve Krentel, who was demoted last week from his position as chief of St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. Grandfather Found Slain Near Burning Car: 'Why Would Somebody Do That? This week, police investigated three homicides on separate days in the same block in New Orleans East. Krentel's father, Dan Watson, died in October without getting answers, said his daughter, Kim Watson. But it wasn't until the day of her memorial service, a week later,that the Sheriff's Office disclosed she had been shot. The unsolved crime remains a source of controversy. Roger is an investigator with the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ET) on Investigation Discovery. You have permission to edit this article. Read More: How Did Jessica Johnson Die? The Unsolved Murder of Nanette Krentel - discussion, UNSOLVED: Louisianas Nanette Krentel case, UNSOLVED murder of Nanette Krentel Round Table Discussion - Part 3, Firefighter's Wife Loses Her Life In Fire And It Wasnt An Accident I Killer Bites, Nanette Krentel Death Investigation Update, St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office Investigating Death Following Lacombe Fire, Krentel Case Still Active Investigation at One-year Anniversary, Sheriff Smith Meets with Krentels Family, Releases Additional Details, Up In Flames An Unsolved Mystery - What Happened To Nanette Krentel? Krentel was the wife of the St. Tammany Fire District No.12 Chief, Stephen Krentel, and the investigators were immediately suspicious of his role in the case. ButIhope they are getting what they need to figure something out.. Police charged her husband, Leroy Reeda 40-year-old carpenter and part-time taxi driver from Amitewith "disfiguring his wife's face beyond recognition" using a "ship's hammer" found at the scene. Members of the public are asked to contact the Sheriffs Office at 985-898-2338 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 if they have any information. At 9 a.m. the morning after the fire, St Tammany Parish Coroner conducted an autopsy on Nanette's remains and discovered the gunshot wound to her head. (Photo/St. I am so blessed to have called you my friend. The 49-year-old former preschool teacher had been shot in the head before a fire destroyed her house along with any clues as to who killed her. Nanette is survived by her husband, Stephen Krentel; her step-son, Justin Krentel, and his wife, Michelle Krentel; her father, Dan Watson; her siblings, Amy Bernard, Wendy Watson, Kim Watson, Lisa Watson, and Chad Danenhower; and her nieces and nephews, Cory, Shelby, Callan, Brennan, and Andrew. However, there have been no further updates or reports on the subject since then, which makes it safe to assume that the murder is still being looked into. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. It does make it very difficult to conduct an investigation with information thats being put out thats not necessarily verified and factual., RELATED VIDEO: Preview of Mondays People Magazine Investigates Season 3 Premiere, Somebodys Watching. A celebration of her life and visitation will be held at 2:00 pm in St. Michael's Episcopal Church's Parish Life Center. Nanette finds a knife and cigarette butts on her property, which she feels is proof that someone else is visiting the property. A memorial service is scheduled for1:00 p.m.onFriday, July 21, 2017at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 499 Sharp Road, Mandeville, LA 70471. Mark Krowski, left, and his wife, Lori Rando, hold lighted candles during a public vigil for Nanette Krentel at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office in Slidell on Thursday, July 14, 2022, the fifth anniversary of Krentel's unsolved murder. Capt. She tells her father that she believes she is being followed. . A preschool teacher's house was set on fire to cover up her murder. Sheriffs spokesman Capt. Adding to the ongoing mystery, family members say Nanette believed she was being followed by a car before death her. The fact that Nanette had been shot is released by the media one week after Nanette's death. I miss the reactions on your face during conversations in teachers' meetings and chapel. In the course of their investigation, authorities focused their attention on various men in Krentel's life. They were priceless. She had previously expressed fear for her safety, relatives said. Reed told police he did not kill his wife. She was dead before the fire started. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Steve Krentel said he was aware of the search warrant. On July 14, 2017, the badly burned body of Nanette Krentel was found amongst the burnt-out remains of her Lacombe, LA., home. NOPD is also investigating 147 carjackings and 247 robberies this year. Lee said the department did not receive any calls Thursday from motorists about a high-speed chase on the interstate. I know you are an angel now looking over all of us! Emotions overtake Bonnie Poirier as she speaks about her friend, Nanette Krentel, during a public vigil at Krentel's grave at Peace Grove Cemetery in Lacombe on Thursday, July 14, 2022, the fifth anniversary of Krentel's unsolved murder. Nanette Krentel Murder: How Did She Die? Nanette's case is extremely tragic and odd. Sheriff Randy Smithcleared Stephen Krentel at a news conference two months after her death. Arrest Made in Beloved Mother's Cold Case Murder and Prosecutor Credits 'People Magazine Investigates', Family Seeks Answers After Loving N.C. The body of Nanette Krentel, who died of a gunshot wound, was found in the rubble. Who Killed Her. At this point, investigators decide that they want to search the crime scene again. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. On July 14, 2017, the St. Tammany Parish Fire Department responded to a blaze at the home Krentel shared with her husband, then Acting Chief of St. Tammany Fire District 12. You are a special angel in Heaven now and I take comfort in knowing that you have all of you precious pets by your side. Lets dig into the details of the case and find out more, shall we? Here we are fiveyears later, and we have no answers, said Bonnie Poirier, who knew Krentel from the days when both worked at St. Michaels Episcopal Preschool. Will truly be missed. FrankieB_123 3 mo. marble pound cake starbucks discontinued. We were only with her for one afternoon, but we feel like we have known her forever. You were wise beyond your years! Lee. The St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Warren Montgomery subpoenaed the complete investigative file from the Sherriff's office regarding Nanette's death. I feel so truly blessed that Nan was a part of my life. This amount, in addition to the $5,000 reward offered by Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, brings the full reward amount to $10,000. I will miss your messages and wisdom! Nanette was a retired pre-kindergarten teacher. Nanette's friends and members of her family gather for a candlelight vigil to remember Nanette and to keep her memory alive. After a long and arduous fight with the flames, firefighters finally gained access to the building only to find 49-year-old teacher Nanette Krentel burned beyond recognition. 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The murder of Nanette Krentel, pictured with husband Stephen, has remained a mystery. Who Killed Her? There was a problem saving your notification. In 2017, a fire was set at Nanette Krentel's Louisiana homeit would later be discovered that the arson was to cover up her murder. The saga surrounding the Nanette Krentel murder on the North Shore has taken a strange turn, with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office now investigating the victims sister for trespassing Thursday (April 11) on the site where Krentel was found slain nearly two years ago. A review of autopsy records by an independent pathologist, Dr. Thomas Bennett, and a skull reconstruction performed on Nanette's remains to confirm coroner's original findings. Today I am discussing the case of Nanette Krentel. Nanette was one in a million. She consistently devoted her time and talents to helping others and organizations with her art and baking skills. We have to keep saying Nanettes name, keep it alive and in the present tense. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We am so very thankful that we got to meet Nan and welcome her into our daughter's life. Her family feels left in the dark. . A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 499 Sharp Road, Mandeville, LA 70471. Steve is demoted from his position at the fire department. Nanette made her husband Stevethe then fire chief of St. Tammany Parish's Fire District 12lunch before he left for work. Dig deeper into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. You will never be forgotten! My heart aches for all you have lost. Deus Providebit '85. The cause of death was quickly overturned. It didnt take this long. Ways to honor Nanette Krentel's life and legacy. During the civil service probe into Steve's employment within District 12 of the St. Tammany Fire Department, Steve is demoted from his title of Chief. RIP Nanette fellow Chipmunk you will not be forgotten, Nanette, know that you are loved and will be missed. Despite living in her home on 100 acres that she deemed a fortress due to her extensive security measures, in 2017 her house was burned to the ground with Nanette inside of it. Krentels friends and family believe they know who is responsible for her death, however, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office never named a single suspect in the investigation. I am posting the very words that you sent to us Chipmunk Sisters! probe of former chief Stephen Krentel, Who killed Nanette Krentel? What we know about what happened and when, St. Tammany fire district demotes Chief Steve Krentel but not as a disciplinary measure, St. Tammany fire chief, with wife's killing unsolved, now at center of civil service probe, Embattled former St. Tammany fire chief Steve Krentel announces plans to retire, St. Tammany fire district's civil service board orders full probe of complaints against Chief Steve Krentel, St. Tammany firefighter put on leave after raising complaints about fire chief, St. Tammany DA subpoenas Sheriff's Office for all records connected to Nanette Krentel's death. What's the Truth Behind Nanette Krentel's Death? Nanette returns home from McDonald's at 9:11am. This investigation is conducted by the fire district's Civil Service Board, and is considered completely separate from the murder investigation. During their time at the home, Groetken, allegedly, spotted an "assault rifle-type gun in the rubble" that had been left at there scene by investigators once the scene had been cleared and released to the family. In 2017, a fire was set at Nanette Krentel's Louisiana homeit would later be discovered that the arson was to cover up her murder. Visit The Murder Squad's website to learn more about Nanette's case and to hear their podcast episode. Former St. Tammany Parish detective and Agent with the Office of Inspector General for HUD, Jerry Rogers, sends an email to Kim, Nanette's sister; this email would be the first of 10 emails sent over the course of 2 years. Agent Rogers files a civil rights lawsuit against the individual who accused him of criticizing the office. Alicia Dennis From Investigation Discovery's People Magazine, Unsolved St. Tammany Parish killing of Nanette Krentel the subject of a new WWL-TV podcast, Emails show she feared her house could be set on fire before she was found dead in the ashes, There could be new life in Nanette Krentel case - her sister says she just wants answers, Investigator: 'No mystery' about unsolved slaying of Louisiana Fire Chief's wife, Federal investigator arrested for defamation in connection with unsolved murder of Covington woman, Episode 7: Still Smoldering - Beyond Bardstown: Lacombe | A true-crime podcast from WWL-TV. There is a cash reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. Once he left at 7:45 am, Nanette drove to McDonald's to get herself some breakfast. Love you dearly! The house is fully engulfed by the time the first unit arrives. "As long as they're still looking at (his wife's death), I'm happy," he said. On the somber anniversary of her homicide Thursday . I am forever grateful for working with her and becoming friends. Steve served more than 20 years within the fire department. Her husband of 22 years was the local fire chief, Nanette knew what to do in . A valuable lesson learned, tomorrow is not guaranteed. At around 1:30 pm, Nanette placed a call from her cell phone. Nanette walks her husband, Steve, out to his car as he is leaving for work. Surveillance videos show Nanette's car, a red 2011 GLK Mercedes 350 SUV, pull into the drive-thru with a driver who looked like Nanette and movement in the vehicle that appeared to be Harley (Nanette's dog). I will never forget Nanette!! To support Nanette's family and to stay up to date with her case, please follow the 'Justice For Nanette' Facebook page. Her front door was found open, and there were two wine glasses on a table in her deserted home. I regret that we never got together when we said we would. Steve finds that the gate security system at his and Nanette's house had been deactivated, but does not stop to reset them. ago. Arguably, the police thought they had a breakthrough when they discovered that Nanette had written an email to her father a few weeks before her death claiming that someone was stalking her and the property. Follow the links to read about more unsolved deaths and murders profiled on Still A Mystery. She said something about things are coming to a head very soon, I can feel it, her sister Kim Watson tells PEOPLE. Still A Mystery airs at 9/8c on Investigation Discovery. First Responders found Nanette Krentel, 49, dead on July 14, her body lying face-up on the master bedroom floor, burned beyond recognition in a fire the Louisiana State Fire Marshal says someone intentionally set in multiple locations. You touched the hearts of everyone that came in contact with you. At this time, our initial primary person of interest, the victim's husband, has been cleared. It also obliterated any chance of discovering if the fire-damaged gun found near her body was the same weapon used to kill her. Instead, Watson consulted an attorney and returned to South Carolina, where she resides. This story was altered on July 15, 2022 to correct the interstate. Rest In Peace. Approximately an hour later, authorities received a 911 call about the fire from one of Nanettes neighbors and rushed to the scene. In July 2017, authorities received a 911 call about a terrible fire at a rural home in Lacombe, Louisiana. She was killed in horrific circumstances in her home in the summer of 2017. Bagnell & Son Funeral Home, Covington, LA in charge of arrangements To view and sign the family guest book please visit WWW.bagnellfuneralhome.com. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. I pray this is our last one.". Sending our love to all of you. In an effort to share memories of Nanette and share support, friends and family members gather for a small vigil. This puzzled investigators and her family. Early Morning:Nanette visits McDonald's for breakfast. Problem is that post mortem revealed that Nanette had no evidence of smoke inhalation in her airways. 1:30pm:Nanette places a call from her cell phone. Friday, July 14th, 2017, started out as a typical day. St. Tammany Fire Department - District 12, Steve donates an additional $5,000 to the reward fund. Shortly after, the request for the restraining orders against all agencies involved in Nanette's investigation is accepted. You made everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you feel special and so loved! fire chief demoted after conduct probe, Why Fire Chief Wife's Death in Her Burned-Down House Is the 'Perfect Story for Social Media Trolls', Deputy who criticized law enforcement in Nanette Krentel death illegally arrested, judge rules; appeal expected, Letter to Media, Citizens Re: Nanette Krentel investigation and recent arrest of Jerry Rogers, Arrest of Man Who Criticized St. Tammany Sheriffs Office Has Caught FBI Attention, Court File Says | Courts, Unsolved murder of North Shore fire chiefs wife to be featured on national crime show, Coroner: Fire Chiefs wife identified as house fire victim, Inside the Mysterious Murder and Burning of a Small-Town Fire Chief's Wife, St. Tammany Parish Coroner: Fire Chief's wife identified as house fire victim, Family Of Slain Sioux City Native Hopes For Answers & Justice, Was fire chiefs wifes death homicide? More than a year after Nanettes death and it still baffles investigators. The Lacombe home she sharedwith her husband, Stephen Krentel, who was the Covington area fire chief at the time, had been set on fire. I know that the Gates of Heaven have already welcomed her and her true spiritFarewell Nanette till we see you again in Heaven. Those who have shown true love and kindness to my children, always have a special place in my heart. Autopsy records are reviewed and Nanette's skull is reconstructed to confirm findings. 12) . The St. Tammany Sheriff's Office is no longer the lead . David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. According to Steve, he and Nanette had been planning for him to retire after his 50th birthday, which occurred on August 16th. According to Wendy, she visited the property to see a memorial for Nanette that Steve had erected near the home. Stephen Krentel had been fully cooperative with the authorities, and he had passed a lie detector test. Steve begins an affair with a coworker; Lori Rando confirmed that Nanette knew about the affair. She was the first person I saw, as I looked through the windshield of our car, which had slammed into the woods after a hit and run driver came very close to killing my husband, me and our dog as we traveled on I-12. The aftermath of a fire that destroyed the home of then-St. Tammany Parish fire official Stephen Krentel and his wife, Nanette, north of Lacombe on July 14, 2017. Determined to find Nanettes killers, her family has also started their own independent investigation into the murder. Friends light candles during a public vigil for Nanette Krentel at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office in Slidell on Thursday, July 14, 2022, the fifth anniversary of Krentel's unsolved murder. There was no exit wound and no sign of soot in her lungs, indicating that she was not alive when the fire started. Despite living in her home on 100 acres that she deemed a fortress due to her extensive security measures, in 2017 her house was burned to the ground with Nanette inside of it. RIP. "It's very frustrating. Nanette Krentel, the wife of St. Tammany District 12 Fire Chief Steve Krentel, died July 14, 2017 and her body was found in the couple's Lacombe house which had collapsed during an intense fire. Another angel looking out for all of us!!!! Unfortunately you're not here to do that now for us. Nanette emails her father regarding a strange man on property. "At this time, scene custody became shared . Lee says that he has been ruled out as a suspect at this time., (Steve eventually resigned from the fire department after an internal review found hed had improper relationships with two female employees and allegedly took air-conditioning units from ambulances.). Chief, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife. I know that everyone who knew and loved her is sharing in my grief and my disbelief that such a beautiful soul has been taken from us. Nanette's case is extremely tragic and odd. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you. You have permission to edit this article. Whoever did this did such a great job of burning all the evidence and its making it harder for them to solve the case, but I just dont feel like it is being given the investigation that it truly should be given, said Lori Rando, a longtime friend of Krentels. Nanette's case is extremely tragic and odd. Whoever it was, they were also responsible for the deaths of Nanettes beloved cats, Baby Kitty and Smokey and her Chihuahua, Harley, who was found dead nearby. It was a well-set fire, you are a fire chief. She always went above and beyond to show compassion when you needed it. At 10:03 am, Nanette called her local Kmart pharmacy to refill a prescription. Krentels father, Ken Watson, has told the media that he fears his daughters murder will never be solved. Nanette, you were truly one of the special souls. Nanette Krentel's cellphone was traced . In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Wed spoken the night before and ironically we were talking about the high school days. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But, he says, This is not 48 Hours, where we solve a case in 60 minutes or less.. The blaze at Nanettes home was so fierce that it ravaged a video surveillance recorder that may have provided a picture of her killer. She helped me get our belongings out of our car, and then she drove me and my dog to her vet, while Steve took my husband to get a rental car.