Police: Fire Set to Cover Up Killing, Car Theft

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A Madison Heights man whose body was found inside his burning home in the 30000 block of Groveland early Sunday morning died of strangulation, authorities said.

The death of Fernando Gonzales, 59, was listed as a homicide caused by strangulation, according to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office His body was discovered about 1 a.m., The Daily Tribune reports.

Police think the fire was set to cover up the theft of Gonzales’ Acura vehicle, which was recovered early Monday in Madison Heights.

“The fire was used as means to (destroy) the evidence,” said Madison Heights police Sgt. Mark Zupec told the newspaper.

More information is expected to be released Monday.