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Arson investigation underway at Milwaukee home where 15-year-old boy was beaten to death

Posted at 6:47 AM, May 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-23 09:06:40-04

MILWAUKEE – An arson investigation is underway after fire breaks out at a Milwaukee home Tuesday night -- where a 15-year-old Dennis King was beaten to death a few days ago.

According to Milwaukee Police, a small fire started near the back door of a home near 12th Street and Keefe just before 10 p.m.  

Police say no one was home when the fire started. The fire left some exterior damage to the home. 

Police are still at the scene investigating.

A criminal complaint alleges a 21-year-old man  -- accused of killing King --called 911 and identified himself on the day of the homicide. 

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office said 21-year old Malik Terrell was taken into custody in Chicago and faces a first-degree intentional homicide charge once he’s transported back across state lines. 

According to a graphic criminal complaint, a relative inside a home near 12th & Keefe told investigators he saw Terrell beat King with a hammer and stab him, repeatedly, in the throat. The fight was over a video game robbery according to a criminal complaint.

Investigators allege Terrell and a relative moved the teen’s body into a vacant house down the street and burned it. 

King's body was reported missing on May 11, but it wasn't until May 20 that police located his body.

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