August 10, 2012 - Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a man found after firefighters extinguished a fire at 302 East 2nd Street about 12:50 a.m. today.

The victim's identity and cause of death are pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant Z. Becker and Officer J. Horn reported:

HPD patrol officers responded to a call of a deceased male inside of a burned shed at the above address. Neighbors called 9-1-1 after hearing the male, who lived inside the shed alone, call for help. Neighbors then saw smoke and fire and attempted to rescue the man, but were unsuccessful. After HFD firefighters extinguished the fire, the victim was found deceased inside the shed.

Witnesses stated the victim was a heavy smoker and accidentally set fire to a shed he previously lived in about eight months prior. There were no signs of trauma or foul play at the scene. The investigation is pending autopsy results.

This case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide Division and the HFD Arson Bureau.

VHS/JFC 8-10-12
Inc. #101167312