"Too close to home:" Body found at scene of fire on Milwaukee's northwest side

Body found at scene of fire on Milwaukee`s northwest side

Body found at scene of fire on Milwaukee`s northwest side

MILWAUKEE --  Milwaukee firefighters were called to the city's northwest side early Friday, May 27th for a small garbage fire. As they were dousing that fire with water, they found a body. Now, this case is being investigated as a homicide.

Body found near 64th and Chambers

Emergency personnel were dispatched to the neighborhood near 64th and Chambers around 5:00 a.m.

Officials with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says they are trying to identify the body. It was burned -- and the cause of death is "suspicious."

"This doesn't make any sense that we got to come around the corners and come and check on our peoples and there's bodies laying everywhere. It doesn't make any sense," said Rashida Morgan, a neighbor.

"That's scary, too close to home," said Linda Sellers, another neighbor.

Body found near 64th and Chambers

Part of the fear for neighbors stems from the unknown.

"I got a call from an officer about 8:00 a.m. who said there's a homicide around your shop outside your garage door," said Ron Latzke, who works nearby.

Latzke rents space from Rock of Ages, a memorial manufacturer. He says he did not hear about the fire until later -- which was why authorities were out here in the first place -- and what led to the discovery of the body.

"We've had thefts before...that kind of stuff, but nothing like this," Latzke said.

Body found near 64th and Chambers

Police say there was no major damage to any buildings as a result of the fire.