Homicide Victims Named in Kenwood Neighborhood Fire

St. Petersburg Police have identified the bodies of two men discovered  in a suspicious house fire Sunday in the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood of St. Petersburg. 

Bruce Johnson, 51, and Arthur Regula, 36, were found dead in the burning house, at 2635 4th Ave. N. Investigators say they died as a result of "homicidal violence."

Regula's missing Ford F-150 was found by Tampa Police in the area of Columbus Drive and MacDill Avenue. St. Petersburg homicide detectives are now responding to the scene, police said.

Police said the identifications are tentative due to the extensive damage done to the bodies as the result of the fire. The identities will have to be confirmed after  further examination of the remains.

Johnson was a friend of the homeowner and had been living at the residence while he was helping with the interior renovations at the home.  

According to police, Regula was employed to assist in the renovations and had expertise in tile work.

No other information about the victims, potential suspects or motives has been released. 

Detectives ruled the deaths a homicide after a report from the Medical Examiner's Office. The Medicial Examiner determined that the cause of death of both men was from homicidal violence, police said.

Anyone with information regarding this crime can contact the St. Petersburg Police Department  at 727-893-7780, Text-A-Tip to 727-420-8911 or leave a confidential tip at 727-892-5000.