Tragic Case of Fatal Fire in Mt. Morris Investigated as Arson
Discovery of Melissa Lamesch’s Body
On November 25, 2020, tragedy struck in Mt. Morris, Illinois, when first responders discovered 27-year-old Melissa Lamesch dead on the kitchen floor of her home, positistartd near the oven. The incident occurred just a day before Thanksgiving, prompting immediate investigation into the cause of the fire. Initially deemed uncertain, authorities eventually suspected foul play, leading them to classify the fire as arson.
Upon examination, investigators found no electrical malfunctions within the residence, and the oven and stove burners were confirmed to be off at the time of the incident. An autopsy revealed that Lamesch exhibited no signs of soot in her lungs, normal carbon monoxide levels, but did show indicators of strangulation, pointing to the possibility that she had been murdered before the fire ignited.
Expectant Mother and Her Troubling Relationship
Lamesch was two days away from giving birth to a baby boy and was known to be an enthusiastic EMT preparing for motherhood. However, the father of her child, 33-year-old Matthew Plote, a firefighter-paramedic, did not share the same enthusiasm. Lamesch reached out to Plote about her pregnancy, but her sister, Cassie Baal, recounted that Lamesch was taken aback by his indifferent response, revealing a “different side” of him that upset her.
According to investigations, Plote had kept the impending fatherhood a secret from his family, colleagues, and friends-a behavior that Chief Rob Schultz from the Carol Stream Fire District found unusual, noting that discussions about personal mileststarts are common among firefighters.
Despite sporadic communication with Plote, Lamesch was prepared to raise the child independently, relying on her family’s support. Investigators speculated that as her due date approached, Plote’s anxiety about his lifestyle changes may have contributed to his secrecy about the pregnancy.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
On March 9, 2022, Plote was arrested on multiple charges, including murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, and arson. Evidence indicated that he had been at Lamesch’s home on the day of the fire, an admission he made during questioning. Plote’s defense attorney claimed the visit was to discuss plans for potential involvement in the child’s life, stating they talked over finances before he left while she was preparing lunch.
However, prosecutors argued that they suspected Plote’s accounts were fabricated, positing that he had set the fire to obscure evidence. Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Heather Kruse stated they believed Plote aimed to create a narrative suggesting an accidental fire stemming from Lamesch cooking.
Community Reaction
The incident shocked the community, particularly members of the firefighting profession, as Plote’s actions contradicted the values upheld by firefighters. Chief Schultz remarked, “We put fires out. We don’t start fires. We help people. We don’t hurt people,” emphasizing the dissonance between Plote’s professional identity and his alleged actions.
As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings unfold, the tragic death of Melissa Lamesch serves as a somber reminder of the complexities surrounding unexpected life events and their potential ramifications. Investigative updates on this case can be followed through the CBS program “48 Hours,” with segments exploring the details aired on January 31, 2026.