Body of Man Found After Fire Destroys Chatsworth House
A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a two-story house in Chatsworth early Tuesday, killing the lone occupant, Los Angeles City Fire Department officials said.
The badly burned body of a man, believed to be the owner of the home in the 10000 block of Jordan Avenue, was discovered on the first floor, Battalion Chief William Varney said.
Police Detective Russ Lyons said authorities will not be able to confirm the victim’s identity until an autopsy and other tests are completed later this week. He said the home is owned by a widower in his 50s.
Fire officials said there was no evidence of arson, and Lyons said police do not believe the man was a victim of foul play.
The fire broke out at 5:30 a.m. and was extinguished 30 minutes later.
Varney said part of the house remains but eventually will have to be knocked down for safety reasons. He estimated the house to be worth more than $200,000.
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