Woman Was Killed Before Apartment Fire, $25K Reward for Tips: Police

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A woman found dead Sunday near the source of an apartment fire was killed before her residence was set on fire, authorities say.

The Prince George’s County Police Department says the death of Latiqua Nicole Cherry, 21, of Audrey Lane in Oxon Hill is a homicide. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for leads in this case.

SEE ALSO: Woman Dies in Minor Apartment Fire: Officials

Neighbors called 911 about 5 a.m. to report smoke in Cherry’s apartment building in the 600 block of Audrey Lane. Fire crews quickly extinguished flames inside an apartment and discovered Cherry’s body, with burn injuries.

A medical examiner ruled Monday that Cherry died from trauma to the body before the fire was set in her apartment. The manner of death is a homicide.

The Prince George’s County Office of the Fire Marshal is investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Fire damage was minimal and contained to the area of origin in the third floor apartment.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go towww.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.