Police: 5 Mexicans Who Died In Novi House Fire Were In US Illegally

NOVI (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say they have confirmed that five Mexican nationals who died in the basement of a burning Novi home were not U.S. citizens and were in the country illegally.

Novi police said Wednesday that authorities were still working to figure out how the five — who ranged in age from 16 to 23 —came to live in the basement of the home owned by the same man who ran Kim's Garden, a Chinese restaurant where they worked.

Four victims named by police on Tuesday were 16-year-old Brayan Contreras, 18-year-old Leonel Rodriguez, 18-year-old Simeon Nunez and 23-year-old Miguel Diaz.

The identity of the fifth victim, 23-year-old Pablo Encino, was released Wednesday.

Public Safety Director David Molloy said at least two victims crossed into the U.S. through Texas, but he doesn't know by what means.

The five were found in the Sunday morning fire, on Mystic River Dr., which appeared to be accidental — possibly sparked by a cigarette and a mattress.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner said all five men died from carbon monoxide, smoke and soot inhalation, and one of them suffered burns.

No one has been charged in connection with the case, although Molloy said Tuesday that they're not ruling out charges against the homeowner, identified as Roger Tam.

He said possible building violations, including a lack of an egress window in the basement, could be criminal.

Federal immigration authorities as well as the Mexican consulate in Detroit have been working with Novi police on the investigation.

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