Wayland Deputee Jr., of Billings, had "distinctive coins" belonging to the homeowner in his pockets when emergency crews pulled his body from the burning house at 1732 Ave. E, according to Billings Police Detective Capt. Dave Hinkel.

Police also found two bags containing "household items" in the alley, suggesting Deputee stashed the possessions before returning to light the fires, Hinkel said

That's the assumption we're operating under," Hinkel said.

Police had previously indicated there were signs of forced entry at the back door.

Investigators determined that Deputee started fires in the kitchen and bedroom in an apparent effort to cover his tracks. Overwhelmed by smoke, he later collapsed in a dining room. Crew crews found him there, Hinkel said.

Fire crews responded at 12:30 a.m. Friday when a neighbor spotted the flames. After firefighters tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate Deputee, he was pronounced dead.

Police said they considered the possibility that others could have been involved in the break-in but found no evidence to support that possibility.

"We leave that door open in the initial stages of an investigation," Hinkel said.

Hinkel said police are still awaiting toxicology reports from the autopsy, due in two to three weeks. They are expected to support a coroner's initial finding that smoke inhalation was the likely cause of death, Hinkel said.

Deputee, a 2001 graduate of Lodge Grass High School, had no history of felony convictions in Montana. Relatives could not be reached for comment.

Submitted on 11/03/2005

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: BILLINGS GAZETTE, NOV 3, 2005

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
While this isn't your usual "dumb criminal" story, I feel it lacks something, perhaps the humorous element. I also surmise the criminal presumed that he could make it out of the building in time. All in all, pretty lackluster, though I thank you for submitting!

Greg said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I don't know. I kinda like this. If he'd set the fire in the bedroom then the kitchen he'd have been fine. But it sounds like he was stupid enough to light a fire downstairs, then go upstairs to light another one only to find his initial fire was now blocking his exit! A better write-up is needed, I agree, but I think this has mileage.

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I agree with Greg. This is not the average "stupid criminal" story. Pending more information, I'll vote to keep it for now.

Tracy said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I agree with Greg - it's a bit of a step up from a stupid criminal story

Sheryl said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
Too many burglars/arsonists "assume" they can make it out of the building in time. This, by the way, was not a two storey house so no stairs. The photo in the Billings Gazette of 29 October shows it to be be a single storey dwelling made of wood. Having recently been studying stats of people killed when trying arson, I'm not impressed by this one. I'm also a bit confused by the police not knowing the cause of death after an autopsy. Either he had smoke in his lungs or he didn't. Simple.

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4