House fire ruled a homicide

The Imperial County Coroner’s Office has ruled a fatal house fire a homicide.

According to a press release issued by the City of Imperial, the person who was inside the home during the fire died as a result of foul play. Officials have not released the person’s identity or a cause of death.

The Imperial County Fire Department was called out to the home on Chisholm Trail off of Rodeo Drive early Tuesday morning. Fire crews were able to put the blaze out in minutes.

“Anyone who has any information please contact the Imperial Police Department at (760) 355-1158. All calls will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” said Police Chief Miguel Colon.

The incident is still under investigation. Officials say they will release more details as they become available.

UPDATE:

Multiple agencies are confirming that the sole occupant who died in the fire died as a result of foul play.

Our newsroom received confirmation from the City of Imperial Wednesday morning that the incident is being ruled a homicide and the investigation is ongoing.

The Imperial Police Department is handling the investigation but has not been available for comment. However, we were able to speak to neighbors earlier this morning.

“Yesterday we were told to evacuate about five in the morning, by the police and luckily the fire department came pretty quick and they extinguished the flames and tragically our next door neighbor perished in the fire, which we are very sad about,” said Toby Weber, Imperial resident.

We also spoke to neighbors off camera that were able to confirm that victim was female. Authorities are not releasing her identity as next of kin still needs to be notified.

Although little information is being given, what we can tell you is that the victim’s vehicle was stolen and seen leaving Chisholm Trail.

The car is a black 4-door 2002 Nissan Altima with a California license plate that reads, 7-u-k-d-8-7-7.

“Thank god they were able to keep it from spreading to our house, but it was just a very scary situation,” added Weber.

If you have any information regarding this incident you are asked to call The Imperial Police Department.