PHOENIX — Phoenix Police homicide detectives are investigating after three bodies were found in an early morning apartment fire in Ahwatukee.
The bodies were discovered when firefighters went into the apartment around 6:34 a.m. on July 15, Captain Todd Keller with the Phoenix Fire Department confirmed.
The fire broke out at an apartment building near 48th Street and Warner Road in Ahwatukee. Firefighters reportedly saw smoke coming from the second-floor unit of the complex.
When department search and rescue crews entered the apartment, they found the three adults unconscious and not breathing in a rear bedroom, Keller said.
"Unfortunately the individuals were beyond resuscitation," Keller said.
The three victims have been identified as 27-year-old Merissa Honeycutt, 25-year-old Anthony Frederickson-Ceccarelli and 37-year-old Samuel Lott.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before they could spread to the third floor. No firefighters were injured.
Monday morning, Phoenix Police said homicide detectives were at the apartment complex after the three victims displayed signs of trauma.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
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Home Fire Prevention:
The Arizona Fire & Medical Authority has released tips on how to prevent fires from starting in your home.
“More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 25,000 are injured,” the authority said on its website. “An overwhelming number of fires occur in the home.”
First off, the authority says that every house needs to have at least one working smoke alarm. Every level of the home and every sleeping area should have a working smoke alarm inside of it to offer the best protection.
Appliances should also be used in a way that manufacturers recommend, since overheating, shorts and sparks can all lead to a fire breaking out.
Lastly, families should have an escape plan from every room of the house.
“Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot,” the authority said. “Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.”
The authority offers free home safety inspections. Schedule one with them by calling 623-544-5400.