Sylvania Twp. fire death ruled homicide

Sylvania Township Fire Department personnel carry away a damaged bed Monday at the scene of an Inland Drive fatal fire.

The death of a man whose body was found early Monday at the scene of a Sylvania Township house fire has been ruled a homicide.

"It is definitely a homicide," said Dr. Cynthia Beisser, a deputy Lucas County coroner.

The cause of death was a single gunshot wound in the head, Dr. Beisser said. Official identification of the victim was pending dental examination later this week, she said.

Interactive: Toledo-area homicides

The fire occurred at a single-story house at 5128 Inland Drive, near Brint Road, according to Sylvania Township firefighters.

Ginny Duffee, a neighbor, said the homeowner was in his late 40s, lived alone, and went by the nickname L.C. She said she understood it was the homeowner who died in the fire. Lucas County property records indicate the home is owned by L.C. Lyons, Jr.

The fire was reported at 5:29 a.m. Monday, and fire crews were dispatched at 5:30 a.m.

Fire crews arrived at the burning house at 5:37 a.m. and extinguished it by 8:51 a.m., according to a Sylvania Township fire dispatcher.

Ms. Duffee said Mr. Lyons has lived in the house for a couple of years.

Shane Cartmill, a spokesman for the State Fire Marshal’s office, said the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Contact Mike Sigov at:
sigov@theblade.com
or 419-724-6089.