Person found shot in home that was set on fire

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Authorities are investigating a Cleveland house fire that has been ruled arson .

The death of a woman found inside the home is also being investigated as a homicide.

Cleveland police Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz on Wednesday told FOX 8 News a female of unknown age was found dead of a gunshot wound inside of a house in the 1700 block of East 88th Place.

She has not yet been identified, Diaz said.

Fire crews were called out to the occupied house fire at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Flames could be seen shooting from the home. It took fire crews about 30 minutes to get the fire under control.

Shortly after the fire was out, Cleveland police were called to the scene and confirmed it was a “fatal, suspicious fire,” authorities said.

Homicide detectives and arson investigations are working to learn more and identify a suspect. Officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

FOX 8’s Jessica Dill was on the scene and reported that detectives appeared to be focusing on the home’s front porch.

FOX 8 spoke with several neighbors, but only one was willing to speak on camera anonymously due to concerns of retaliation.

“Usually this is a quiet neighborhood and it’s sad. It’s really sad,” she said.

This incident has her wondering if it’s time to move out. However, her main focus is on the victim’s family and her fellow neighbors.

“It’s concerning. Why did that happen? It’s happened before but why is it happening?” she said.

Damage to the home is estimated at $120,000.

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