Phelps' cabin on Moon Valley Road burns to the ground; allegedly rigged with tripwires

 October 5, 2021

The cabin where James Phelps lived at 386 Moon Valley Road near Windyville burned to the ground overnight.

courtesy KY3

The property, which has not been actively guarded since the story of Cassidy Rainwater's disappearance broke late last month was allegedly rigged with tripwires, according to published reports.

 Federal authorities received a tip that Rainwater, who was reported missing in August, was being held in a cage and terrorized on Phelps' remote property.

Phelps and his alleged co-conspirator Timothy Norton have been charged with kidnapping and are due in court this morning. 

On September 18th, Dallas County sheriff Scott Rice said on the organization's Facebook page, "Due to the extreme nature of the crime and the continuation of the investigation, additional details cannot be released at this time.  There is no immediate danger to the public.

Yesterday Rice issued the following statement:

As you are aware, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the missing person case of Cassidy Rainwater. The F.B.I. received information as to the possible whereabouts of Cassidy. On 09/16/2021 the F.B.I. forwarded this information to Dallas County Detectives.

On that same date, we served a search warrant at an address on Moon Valley Road. While there, we recovered many items for further investigation.

We wish to thank Greene County Sheriff Arnott for is support sending the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit along with manpower. We would also like to thank the F.B.I for all the assistance they have been providing.

This is an incredibly difficult time for Cassidy’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We ask that you all respect their privacy.

To protect our investigative process and increase possibility for successful prosecution, we have no additional comment.