Dallas Fire-Rescue crews responded to a structure fire call at 5:05 a.m. in the 1700 block of South Marsalis Avenue. The unusual circumstances — a deadly fire that burned out before help arrived — have prompted an investigation by homicide detectives.
Firefighters found no visible flames or smoke when they reached the one-story residence. After forcing their way inside, crews discovered remnants of a self-extinguished fire.
The victim, found with severe burn injuries, was unresponsive. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Dallas Police homicide units joined the investigation, working alongside the Medical Examiner’s Office, to determine the cause of the fire and the victim’s official cause of death. The man’s family has identified the victim as 75-year-old Curtis Ray Beechum, Fox 4 KDFW reported.
Investigators have not released details about potential accelerants or other evidence found inside the home.
Investigators are also probing the death of a woman who was found on a burning mattress in an East Dallas apartment unit on Sunday, The Dallas Express reported.
