Update Nov. 29, 2015: The Coroner's Office has identified the Huron burglary suspect as 19-year-old Cody Caldwell (DOB 05/04/1996). The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation and thermal burns.
Just before 3:00 pm Saturday, Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home on the 16000 block of W. Gale Ave. in Huron. A homeowner reported that when he lit a fire in his fireplace, he heard a man yell from inside the chimney. At this same time, the house began to fill with smoke. The homeowner worked to put the fire out as dispatchers sent firefighters with Cal Fire – Fresno County to the home. Approximately ten minutes after the initial call, the suspect appeared to still be breathing and moving inside the chimney. A short time later, firefighters dismantled the chimney in an attempt to rescue the suspect, however, it was discovered that he was dead.
A preliminary investigation shows that the suspect had climbed into the chimney overnight in an attempt to burglarize the home and became stuck. The homeowner came home today after being gone yesterday, so he did not know anyone was inside the chimney prior to lighting the fire.
The Coroner’s Office has removed the man’s body from the scene. An autopsy will be performed to determine his identity, a cause and manner of death.
This is an ongoing investigation. Deputies are interviewing witnesses and examining evidence to try and learn more details about this case.
Anyone with additional information on this case should call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7687).
