WASHINGTON: A 40 year old Pakistani American man was found dead with signs of violence after firefighters responded to an apartment fire in the US capital earlier this week, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, teams from Washington Fire and Emergency Medical Services reached a residential building after receiving reports of smoke. Firefighters entered a small apartment, put out the fire, and found an unconscious man inside. He was later declared dead.
The Metropolitan Police Department identified the deceased as Syed Hammad Hussain. Police said visible injuries were present on his body, leading to suspicions of foul play and the launch of a homicide investigation.
In a statement issued on Friday, authorities said that, following an initial review, the case had been officially transferred for further criminal investigation. No suspects have been identified so far.
Investigators are examining surveillance footage obtained from a nearby building. Sources familiar with the investigation told local media that the footage shows Hussain entering the building shortly before the fire, along with three other individuals, possibly including a woman. The same people were later seen leaving the building quickly.
Authorities have asked the public for help and announced a reward of 25,000 dollars for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Hussain’s family is from Lahore, and he has been living in Washington. His funeral prayers will be offered today at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.