AUSTIN (KXAN) — Officials are investigating after the body of a 37-year-old man was found after a fire Monday at a home in New Braunfels, which investigators said they believe was “intentionally set,” according to the city.
Around 2:30 p.m. Monday, the New Braunfels Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire in the 2600 block of McCrae, according to the city’s press release.
“Firefighters arrived and found a two-story home with heavy smoke coming from the residence,” it said.
Crews entered the home to fight the fire, but crews encountered “high conditions.” The fire spread to the first and second floor, forcing the firefighters to exit the home and continue their efforts outside.
The residents of the home were not there at the time of the fire. However, they showed up while fire crews were on the scene, the release said.
Once the firefighters got the fire under control, they went back into the home and found a man’s body inside, according to the city. The city identified the deceased man as Kennedy Miguel Herrejon of New Braunfels.
“Investigators also discovered preliminary evidence that the fire had been intentionally set,” the city said.
According to the release, Herrejon received severe burns and had been shot. This prompted an investigation by the New Braunfels Police Department, as well as the New Braunfels Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, according to the city.
“Next of kin has been notified and an autopsy is pending to determine cause of death. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is also assisting with the investigation, which is ongoing,” the city said.
No one else was injured in the fire, according to officials. The investigation remained ongoing, as of Tuesday.