Man found dead after apartment fire on Rhode Island Avenue sparks homicide probe
WASHINGTON, DC — A small apartment fire on Rhode Island Avenue early Wednesday led firefighters to a grim discovery inside a Northwest residence where a 40-year-old man was found dead with blunt force and thermal injuries, prompting a homicide investigation.
DC Fire and EMS responded at approximately 3:33 a.m. to the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue Northwest for a report of smoke in a hallway. Firefighters entered an apartment, extinguished a small fire and located an adult male unconscious and not breathing.
Officials reported the victim was suffering from blunt force trauma and thermal injuries. After finding no signs consistent with life, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Second District officers responded, and the case is now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch.
The decedent has been identified as Syed Hammad Hussain, 40, of Northwest D.C.
Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide. Anyone with information is asked to call (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to 50411.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Points
- A man was found dead after a small apartment fire on Rhode Island Avenue Northwest
- The victim suffered blunt force trauma and thermal injuries
- Police are offering up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest
