SAN MARCOS–Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a home in foreclosure Monday morning.
Sheriff’s deputies say they found the home engulfed with flame and smoke. Unsure if anyone was inside, deputies attempted to enter the home, but could not do so safely. Deputies called into the home, but received no response. They were advised the home was full of trash and clutter and appeared to belong to a hoarder.
San Marcos firefighters were able to extinguished the fire. The home received moderate to major damage from the fire and smoke. A small dog was located in the house, but died as a result of the heavy smoke.
Deputies learned the home was being auctioned Monday as a result of foreclosure. The home had been owned by 62 year-old Duncan Kendall whose whereabouts are unknown.
Fire investigators conducted an assessment of the blaze and did not find obvious signs of foul play. Although there was no immediate evidence the home had intentionally been set on fire, fire investigators requested Sheriff’s arson investigators respond to assist.
Kendall’s adult son told deputies he had just learned about his father losing the home yesterday. He does not know where his father is and based on the circumstances, requested a missing persons report. Due to the circumstances, deputies classified him as missing “at-risk.”
The vehicle Kendall was using is registered to his son, a silver 2008 Ford Focus four-door with license CA # 6EJX949.
Detectives from Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit are handling the fire investigation.
Anyone with information on the case are urged to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
