Crime & Safety

Update: Fire Sparks Suspicious Death Investigation

Detectives have identified the man found dead in a home on 23rd Street North Friday morning, Aug. 23.

Update Aug. 23 3:50 p.m.: St. Petersburg Police have identified the man found dead in a burning home this morning as Bruce Robert Meredith, 61.

Detectives say Meredith started a fire in his home and then shot himself with a handgun.

A final cause of death ruling is pending input from the medical examiner's office.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Earlier:

St. Petersburg Police Department detectives are investigating the death of a man found in a 23rd Street North home Friday morning after a fire broke out at the address.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The man’s death is being labeled “suspicious” at this time, according to an email from the police department.

The fire that sent authorities to the 8074 23rd St. N. home Aug. 23 started before 7 a.m. When firefighters entered the home, they found the man in an unresponsive condition. Once outside, it was discovered the man had died and “had apparent injuries inconsistent with a fire-related death,” the email said.

Homicide detectives have taken over the case, but preliminary indications are that the death may have been self-inflicted.

Authorities are not releasing the man’s name at this time.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available. 


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