On February 19, 2016, firefighters were called to a Edgerton, Missouri residence. What started out as a routine house fire call quickly escalated into a murder investigation as the wee hours of February 20th broke. Two of the home’s elderly residents, as well as a young mother, her infant son and the family dog were all found shot prior to being set on fire. Three of the victims and the dog were found in the yard, while the patriarch of the family was found near a shed in the backyard.
Russ and Shirley Denham, the two elderly residents who were found shot and lit on fire at their suburban Missouri home.
Missing from the scene was the grandson of the elderly couple and brother of the young mother who perished in the murders. Greyden Denham was immediately considered a person of interest, but until a thorough investigation could be conducted, investigators could only issue a warrant for car theft after a Nissan was found missing from the scene.
Heather Ager and her 3-month-old baby Mason were also among the victims found at the scene.
It wouldn’t be until several days later that Denham would be found wandering around naked and intoxicated in Arizona. The missing Nissan belonging to Denham’s grandfather was located at a nearby hotel, but records did not show that Denham had ever checked in as a guest there.
Greyden Denham poses with his mother Shelly Denham.
Months after Denham had been taken into custody he was charged in the murder of his grandfather Russell Denham, his grandmother Shirley Denham, sister Heather Ager and his 3-month-old nephew Mason Schiavoni. In addition to the murder charges, Denham is also facing charges including armed criminal action, animal abuse, 2nd degree arson and tampering with physical evidence.
It wasn’t the first time Denham had been in serious legal trouble. Last year records show that Denham had assaulted a corrections officer. Denham also had active warrants out for his arrest in Kansas City and Smithville and had lost his license due to failure to pay his child support.
In spite of what may seem like an open and shut case, Denham’s mother Shelly tells The Platte County Citizen that her son is not the monster the media is portraying. Shelly, who lost both her parents, her daughter and grandchild in the murders, says that her son has a warm heart and claims that she has “strong evidence” that he is clear of any wrongdoing.
Shelly goes on to say that her daughter Heather had written to her while Denham had been staying with his grandparents and had told her that they had all been having a great time and did not make mention of any hostility within the home while Greyden Denham had been temporarily staying at the residence. It is Denham’s mother’s belief that her son had been drugged and left in Arizona.
Greyden Denham has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
As of June 29th, 2016 Denham has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is still in the process of obtaining a lawyer.