The sheriff’s department is investigating whether the body of man found in Ramona is that of a resident who went missing there Saturday night following a residential fire.
Officials responded to the structure fire at 20997 Black Canyon Road around 5:20 p.m. Saturday. While on scene, it was reported to deputies that a witness heard a possible gunshot and a man who lived at the residence was missing, according to sheriff’s Lt. Ken Jones.
Although the fire burned itself out by 9 p.m., the home’s unstable walls remained standing, which prevented a full search for the missing resident. However, a woman and child were safely rescued from the blaze, CalFire San Diego Capt. Isaac Sanchez said.
The fire did not spread to any other structures on the property and was contained to the single residence, according to Jones.
In addition to firefighters, the sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit responded to the address, but due to the poor structural integrity of the residence and low light conditions, investigators had to resume their work Sunday morning. A deputy was posted overnight at the scene for security, Jones said.
At approximately 8:45 a.m. Sunday, an unidentified male adult was located on the property approximately 50 yards away from the burned-out residence. “It is believed he suffered from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the lieutenant said.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene, but a positive identification of the body is pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
–Staff
