In January of 2026 the Napoleon Police Department in cooperation with the Henry County Prosecutor Gwen Howe-Gebers decided to re-open the investigation of the Wellington Hotel fire. On January 21st, 1992, in the late evening people started to call in reports of a major fire at the Wellington Hotel, 801 N. Perry St. The subsequent investigation by the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office, determined the fire to be a case of Arson. Three people were killed in the blaze.
This year Investigators began the process of digitizing the evidence retained by the Napoleon PD to preserve it. While reviewing the evidence and various other information received over the years, it was determined that it was still a viable case and should be re-examined. The case was originally dismissed before the start of the trial in 1993.
The Napoleon Police Department and Prosecutor Howe-Gebers wish to report the arrest of William F. Mohr, DOB: 03/30/1961 of Edwardsville Il., for the Murder of Roger Butts, Age 6, Kevin Brown, age 28 and Richard Rhoads, age 20 all of Napoleon, from the arson fire at the Wellington Hotel. William F. Mohr was the original suspect in the case in 1992. The arrest was a result of an indictment handed down by the Henry County Grand Jury on March 25, 2026.
The Napoleon Police Department will continue to release information as events develop in cooperation with the Henry County Prosecutors Office.