Los Angeles: On Wednesday, November 28, 2001, at approximately 2:45 a.m., a structural fire was reported at a residence located on the 2400 block of south Cochran Avenue. Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters responded to the location and extinguished the fire. A 72 year-old Caucasian male was discovered inside the burned residence. Responding paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that the fire was arson-related; therefore, the death is being treated as a homicide at this time.

The identity of the burn victim is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

No suspects have been identified. The possible motive for the fire has not yet been determined.

Detective Support Division Criminal Conspiracy Section, and Wilshire Homicide Detectives are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Wilshire Detectives at 213-485-4033, during business hours. On weekends and during off-hours, please call our 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.