An Illinois home explosion that killed three people on April 5, 2026, in Troy, Illinois, has resulted in criminal charges against the occupants, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office announced.
Victims and Explosion Details
The explosion destroyed the Cissell family home and claimed the lives of:
- 19-year-old Ayden Hendrickson
- 19-year-old Madeleine Cissell (also identified as Madeleine Maxeiner), Roberta Cissell’s daughter
- 12-year-old Paisley Nishwitz, under Kenneth Cissell’s short-term guardianship
Authorities believe the three victims were sleeping at the time of the blast.
Charges Against the Cissells
- Kenneth Cissell (48) and Roberta Cissell (43) were charged with endangering the life or health of a child. They were booked into Madison County Jail and released.
- Colton Cissell (22), son of Kenneth and stepson of Roberta, faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of involuntary manslaughter
- Endangering the life or health of a child
- Possession of explosives
- Possession of explosive material without a license
Colton remains in custody pending a detention hearing.
Investigation Findings
Police say Kenneth and Roberta Cissell were aware their son had explosive materials, including Tannerite, in the house. Colton admitted to using a laser cutter near the explosives. The sheriff’s office alleged the parents knowingly allowed him to have illegal explosives in the home.
Legal Actions and Civil Suit
Madeleine Cissell’s father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Cissells and the property owner. Court dates for the criminal cases have not been made public.
