Man killed in Beaver Dam apartment explosion ID'd, funeral set for Thursday

Beaver Dam suspect identified

Benjamin Morrow

BEAVER DAM — Beaver Dam police positively identified on Wednesday, March 14 the man killed in an apartment explosion last week. He is Benjamin Morrow, 28.

Officials say the identification was confirmed through DNA analysis with cooperation from the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory in Madison. Morrow died when an accidental explosion went off in his unit in Village Glen apartment Building 109. Investigators found highly volatile chemicals in the residence -- used for a homemade bomb.

On Wednesday, March 14, more than 20 fire departments and 100 firefighters began planning to burn down the entire apartment building. The Beaver Dam fire chief said the operation is the only way to safely destroy the remaining dangerous material.

Crews on Wednesday began stacking shipping containers on top of each other -- to create a thermal shield for nearby buildings.

Despite law enforcement's conclusion that Morrow was making a bomb, the Sturgeon Bay pastor who will preside over Morrow's funeral Thursday in Madison said the circumstances surrounding his death are a puzzle to all of those who knew him.

Morrow's obituary paints the 28-year-old as a home schooled, devout Christian who was "an excellent student with a thirst for knowledge...and had a good rapport with all those around him." Morrow had a degree in pre-pharmacy from Pensacole Christian College in Florida.

Beaver Dam apartment explosion

Morrow was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His parents now live in Black Creek, Wisconsin.

Since last June, Morrow has worked at Richelieu Foods -- just a couple of blocks from the Village Glen apartments. Current employees say they saw him around, but did not know Morrow well.

The controlled burn of Building 109 is expected to begin around 10 a.m. on Thursday. FOX6 News plans to stream the controlled burn.

Lastly, officials also announced on Wednesday that the FBI has set up a 24-hour tip line for anyone who may have information concerning this investigation. People are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Callers will need to choose option 3.