Body Found in Burned Home

TYLER — At least for now, Tyler police are treating a burned body case as a possible homicide. Shortly after 4:30 Friday morning, Tyler Fire, Police, and EMS responded to a reported house fire at 1005 West Lollar Street. Authorities say the residence was fully engulfed in fire upon arrival of fire units. Observers at the scene told officials that the house had just been leased and that no one was living in it. The owner of the residence confirmed that the house had been rented and that the tenant had not fully moved in yet. Fire-fighters fought the fire for one hour and 24 minutes and advised that the fire was under control at 6:02 a.m.

At 7:35 a.m. the Tyler Police Department was notified by a family member of the owner of the residence that they had located a body inside a storage closet inside the residence. The family member was searching the residence for salvageable items when they discovered the body. Investigators from the Tyler Fire and Police Departments, and the Smith County DA’s Office responded to the scene and are currently conducting an investigation. The body has been identified as Leon Kentrelle Heard, 26. Heard was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers. Judge Beavers has ordered an autopsy, and the body is being transported to Southwest Forensics in Dallas.

The Tyler Police Department is taking the lead in this investigation and treating it as a possible homicide until evidence indicates otherwise. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this, or any, felony case.