Monday, January Update: Brownwood Police continue investigating the death of an unidentified person on Friday, January 9th and released the following update.
In the late afternoon hours of Friday, January 9, 2015, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the unidentified person discovered in the early morning fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the subject died from smoke inhalation and thermal burning. The medical examiner’s office will continue with their work and has moved the body to their Identification Division.
At the initial fire scene, investigators discovered what appeared to be two bed box-springs and two full sized mattresses that were used as a makeshift shelter. Other material at the scene indicates that a makeshift fire pit was used. From what has been observed and gathered at the scene, it appears that one or both of the box springs was too close to the fire or fell onto it during the night causing the material to burn after falling on the deceased.
There is no evidence to indicate foul play.
Original Story: Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston confirmed that one person died in a fire that occurred at 1:20 AM Friday in a vacant lot behind the Commerce Square Shopping Center.
Members of the Brownwood Fire Department and Brownwood Police Department were dispatched to the location regarding a report of a grass fire behind the building.
Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and were able to quickly extinguish the small fire located in a small patch of trees. After extinguishing the fire, a preliminary investigation was conducted and a body was discovered. The unidentified remains have been transported to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.
The Brownwood Fire Marshal’s Office and Police Department are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to identify the body. At this time foul play is not suspected, however the investigation is on-going and more information will be provided as it is made available.
The location is known to be a place where homeless people congregate.
