Pineville, LA (April 2, 2024) – The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into a tragic structure fire that claimed a life over the weekend.
Reports indicate that on Saturday, March 30th, just after 12:30 AM, patrol deputies and firefighters from the Holiday Village Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 300 block of Williams Lake Road in Pineville. Tragically, firefighters discovered the body of a deceased male on the scene. Initial indications suggested that the individual perished in the fire, prompting the Louisiana State Fire Marshal investigators to initiate their inquiry.
However, a recent update from the investigation has shifted the focus, indicating that the incident is now being treated as a homicide. Sheriff’s Detectives, Crime Scene Unit, and State Fire Marshal officials are intensifying their efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the blaze and the subsequent loss of life.
As of now, the identity of the deceased remains undisclosed, and the cause of death is pending further investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information pertaining to this incident to come forward. They can contact the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-473-6700, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office at 866-946-1097, or Crime Stoppers at 318-443-7867.
Meanwhile, State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is advising heightened vigilance in neighborhoods following this tragic event.
“A best practice is to keep an eye out for unusual activities and to report them to authorities as soon as they’re noticed,” Chief Adams emphasized. “In addition, homeowners can take simple, consistent steps to keep their properties secure and maintained to discourage unusual activity from occurring around their homes.”
