APD opens homicide investigation after man found dead following house fire

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police launched a homicide investigation after a man died following a house fire late Sunday night.

According to APD, 911 got a call at 10:53 p.m. about someone possibly trapped in a house that was on fire in the 9000 block of Meridian Oaks Lane. That is just east of Interstate 35 and west of Slaughter Lane.

APD said police and fire crews arrived at 11 p.m. and were able to put the fire out.

While searching the home, AFD crews found a man in his 30s with "obvious signs of trauma incompatible with life" and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to APD.

Austin Police said another man was inside the home at the time of the fire.

APD said they believe that man was a witness and called 911. APD said he is doing okay and is not in custody but is speaking with investigators.

Austin Fire Department arson investigators and APD homicide detectives spoke with witnesses overnight.

APD said it's investigating the incident as a homicide because of the "unusual" nature of it.

"There are some signs that say something caused the fire, we don't know what that something is yet," APD said during a briefing overnight. "The male is in his 30s, so with those things combined we want to work with arson investigators and homicide detectives to ensure we get answers for the family and determine whether this was a sad accident, or something else occured."

APD was still waiting to obtain warrants to search the home as of the time of the briefing, which was held around 3 a.m. Monday.

APD is investigating this as Austin's 18th homicide of the year. Police ask that anyone with information call the homicide tip line at 512-477-3588.