Search warrants in Wauk. fire say blood found splattered in home



WAUKESHA (WITI) -- FOX6 News has obtained search warrants related to a Waukesha fire that occurred on February 14th in the 1000 block of Motor Avenue. 34-year-old Michael Coyle jumped from the home to save himself from the flames. Coyle remains hospitalized at St. Mary's Burn Center - after suffering burns over 90% of his body. He is unable to tell investigators what occurred the night of the fire as a result of his medical condition. He is said to be in grave condition -- and officials are now calling this fire "suspicious."

After investigators identified the victim in this fire - FOX6 News learned that Coyle is accused on a separate case of putting a pen camera in the bathroom of a swimming school in Waukesha, where he was a part-time instructor. He has been charged with two felony counts of "Capturing an Image of Nudity." He is set to be sentenced in that case on March 19th.

Officials say Coyle was the only one home at the time of the fire. The fire began around 9:30 p.m. and the flames were so intense, nearby homes melted and neighbors were evacuated.

Officials say the origin of the fire has been identified as the home's two-care garage.

A search warrant in the case says additional burning was discovered in the bathroom area of the residence - which is a considerable distance from the garage - and burned clothing was also apparently found in the home's living room.

Additionally, the search warrant says there was a large amount of blood splattered throughout the residence, and therefore, investigators collected samples of Coyle's blood in order to determine whether the blood splattered inside the home is Coyle's blood.

The search warrant says several items were seized from the residence as part of the investigation, including various fire damaged clothing, laundry room flooring, various electronics (including two laptops, a PlayStation 3, a Nook, a cell phone, a bed sheet swatch with blood, thumb drives, an empty cell phone box and blood swabs from various areas within the house.

The City of Waukesha Fire and Police Departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

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