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Man Found Dead After Suspected Arson At East Side Apartments

DETROIT (WWJ) -  Authorities think they may have a murder on their hands after a man's body was discovered following a fire at an apartment complex on Detroit's east side.

The fire took off early Tuesday morning at the single-story Le Chateau Manor Apartments on Mound Road, just north of 7 Mile Road.

Firefighters quickly responded to the scene and extinguished the fire, which was contained to one unit. Firefighters made their way inside the apartment, discovered the man's body and called police.

An investigator on the scene told WWJ's Mike Campbell it appears the man was badly beaten before the apartment was intentionally set on fire, adding that "This will be a homicide case."

Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine exactly how the man died. A woman claiming to be the man's daughter identified him as 61-year-old Edward Jones.

edward jones
Edward Jones was found dead after a fire in his apartment. Police are investigating his death as a homicide and believe the fire was intentionally set. (Family Photo)

Relatives said Jones was barely recognizable, with black eyes and his teeth knocked out. Jones' niece, who did not want to be named, said it's a far cry from how she remembers her loving uncle.

"He sung beautifully, like an angel," she said. "After he served his country, he came home and worked for Chrysler for a little while and then he ended up retiring."

Resident Robert Yardboro said he was shocked his neighbor is dead, but the violence doesn't really surprise him.

"Living in Detroit, you know, that's how it is," Yardboro said.

Crime scene investigators were seen removing multiple long-guns from the man's apartment unit, along with other items of evidence.

No arrests have been made. An investigation is ongoing.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.

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