Authorities found a man's body inside a burning house Wednesday.
At 1:35 p.m., the Collinsville Fire Department responded to a fire at 670 Oak Trail. Shortly after receiving the initial call, Fire Chief Jim Twyman said crews were notified that flames were visible from the front window of the house.
"Crews were able to isolate the fire to one room, but the fire did penetrate the floor going into the basement," Twyman said.
While searching the house, rescuers found the body of a man in a bedroom closet. The police were immediately called to the scene to investigate.
"We are investigating this as a suspicious death," Maj. Scott Williams said.
Police suspect the victim was the man who resided alone in the house, but Williams said that has not been confirmed. Police would not release the name of the man found inside the house.
Police would not confirm a rumor that the victim had been shot. The man's arms had secondary burns, but Twyman said his clothes were not burned.
An autopsy is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today.
The fire is being investigated as an arson. Wednesday evening, fire and police crews continued to search the house for any signs of accelerates used to start the fire.
Madison County coroner's investigators were called to the scene. After removing several bags of evidence, including two firearms, the body was carried from the house at about 5:30 p.m.
A group of people gathered next door, each visibly emotional as they embraced one another after learning what had happened. Twyman said no family members were present at the scene.
Rick Schaefer, who has lived across the street from the house for more than two years, said the man lived alone and "he kept to himself a lot."
Distributed by the Associated Press
