Imperial Man Found Dead Outside Burning Home; Investigations Underway
Authorities identified the man as 66-year-old Richard D. Rodgers. The cause of the fire and official cause of death remain under investigation.
By The Jefferson Review
An Imperial man was found dead outside his burning home early November 4 after a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call to check on his well-being, according to a press release from Sheriff Dave Marshak.
The deputy was dispatched at 5:53 a.m. to a residence in the 1700 block of Woodwind Drive after a person there called 911 and made statements indicating suicidal intent.
Upon arriving, the deputy saw smoke and flames inside the home and immediately requested firefighters and emergency medical personnel. While searching outside the residence, the deputy discovered the body of Richard D. Rodgers, 66, whom authorities identified as the home’s only resident.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators preliminarily believe Rodgers sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Regional Medical Examiner’s Office took possession of his body and will determine the official cause of death.
After firefighters extinguished the flames, detectives, crime scene investigators and the State Fire Marshal’s Office began investigating the fire and Rodgers’ death. Both investigations remain ongoing.
The sheriff’s office said additional information will be released when it becomes available and is appropriate to share.
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The Jefferson Review delivers the local government decisions, development updates, and community stories shaping our county every Thursday and Sunday.
Don’t miss what your neighbors are talking about.