Man found in Pasco orchard fire is homicide victim
PASCO, Wash. (AP) - A Benton County sheriff's officer says a burned body that firefighters found while dousing a blaze at a fruit orchard is that of a homicide victim.
Lt. Joe Lusignan said Thursday the victim, believed to be in his early to mid-30s, died from a shotgun blast to the chest. The fire late Tuesday burned less than an acre on the orchard property owned by Washington Fruit and Produce of Yakima. Lusignan says the fire in the Finley area may have been set to destroy evidence.
Officials are using teeth and a DNA sample to identify the man.
Lt. Joe Lusignan said Thursday the victim, believed to be in his early to mid-30s, died from a shotgun blast to the chest. The fire late Tuesday burned less than an acre on the orchard property owned by Washington Fruit and Produce of Yakima. Lusignan says the fire in the Finley area may have been set to destroy evidence.
Officials are using teeth and a DNA sample to identify the man.