Homicide Section investigating body found in suspicious fire

EPS Homicide Section detectives are investigating the death of a man found in a burned residence in northeast Edmonton. 

At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, Edmonton Fire Rescue called police to a suspicious fire at a residence in the area of 118 Avenue and 79 Street. During the investigation of the fire, a body was found inside the building.

A Jan. 25, 2022 autopsy completed by the Edmonton Medical Examiner has identified the deceased as Thomas Richard Russell, 32. The cause and manner of death are pending additional testing. EPS Homicide Section has taken over the investigation.

Investigators are hoping to speak with anyone who had contact with Russell in the past week, or who has any information about his death or the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.