Former Owner Of Building Where Body Was Found After Fire 'Shocked'

By Tom Mustin

DENVER (CBS4) - Denver police and fire investigators are looking for clues after a body was discovered in a burning apartment above a Five Points bagel shop.

Elbert Richardson is still stunned after a grisly discovery in his former building.

"It wasn't surprising, it was shocking," he told CBS4's Tom Mustin.

Monday around 2:30 a.m. Denver police and Denver fire crews rushed to the scene of a suspicious fire at 26th Avenue and Welton Street. When they arrived, a second floor apartment fire burned above Rosenberg's Bagels and Delicatessen. Inside, crews found a body.

"The individual person was located in the closet of the second story living quarters. What that equates to, I'm not sure," said Denver Fire spokesperson Melissa Taylor.

Denver police immediately put out a bulletin for two missing vehicles -- a red Ducati motorcycle and a white 1997 Subaru wagon.

Fire crews say the blaze started on the second floor. They are not saying how the blaze started. Investigators are also not releasing any information about the body found, a motive, or any possible suspects.

Richardson owned the building several years ago. He says police called him after the fire. He believes the missing vehicles may belong to a family member.

"When the police called me they gave me my cousin's name," he told Mustin.

As crews look for clues after a disturbing incident, Richardson is hoping for justice.

"I feel sorry for the family that had to find somebody in there."

Rosenberg's Deli suffered smoke and water damage. The owners say they expect to reopen soon.

Statement From Building's Owner

"Dr. Renee King, the owner of the building is heartbroken by the tragedy and loss of life that happened early Monday morning. Dr. King was at the scene as soon as she was informed of what happened and is cooperating fully with the police and fire department while the investigation takes place."

Additional Information From The Denver Police Department

Remain anonymous and earn up to $2,000. Call Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). Text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter the message, or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com; or use the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers mobile app which is immediately available as a free download on smartphones.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.