Los Angeles: Suspicious circumstances in a house fire resulted in the deaths of two persons and the Los Angeles Police Department initiating a homicide investigation.
Police officers patrolling in the North Hills area noticed a column of smoke around 6:00 A.M., on January 23, 2007. The smoke was coming from the 10400 block of North Danube Avenue. Waiting for the fire department to arrive, the officers tried to enter the house but were forced back by heat and thick smoke. The officers were able to force open the garage door and rescue a dog trapped inside.
Firefighters put the fire out in 20 minutes, then found the charred remains of two persons in a bedroom. The LAFD Arson Unit and Mission Area homicide detectives combed over the scene.
Investigators from the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office discovered some evidence that raised the suspicion of foul play. The homicide detectives assumed the lead investigative role.
On January 26, autopsies for the two decedents were completed. The mode of death has been ruled homicide, and the cause of death was gunshot wounds.
The Coroner's Office is in process of identifying both victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mission Area Homicide Unit at 818-838-9810. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855). Callers may remain anonymous.
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