Milwaukee police are investigating a deadly fire reported in the early morning hours Monday on the city’s south side.
It was reported around 2:20 a.m. at a duplex near 28th and Becher Streets. Police say a family living in the upper part of the duplex smelled the smoke and called 911.
Police identified the victim as Robert Piotrowski, 70, Monday afternoon and are calling the fatal fire an arson.
When Milwaukee firefighters arrived, police said Piotrowski was found dead inside the home. His death is being considered a homicide.
"This is really a shock. This is normally a quiet neighborhood," said neighbor Remero Ellis.
Investigators are trying to determine how the fire started. The State Fire Marshal is now assisting in the investigation.
The Red Cross is helping the upstairs family displaced by the fire.
