UPDATE: Cause of death determined in fatal house fire

“The cause of death appears to be a single gunshot wound,” said captain Lamar Reynolds. “With this information and physical evidence found at the scene it appears to be a self-inflicted wound; however, final determinations will be made upon the completion of the reports from the crime lab.”

Firefighters were dispatched to house at 498 N. Fifth Avenue shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday night. The structure was heavily involved when emergency personnel arrived.

A body was located in a bedroom in the front portion of the house after the fire was extinguished.

A positive identification of the body has not been made and the name of the victim will not be released until that is done. The case will remain open as both the Winder Police Department and the Winder Fire Department continue their investigations.

HOLSENBECK SCHOOL ROAD FIRE
In a separate incident Sunday night, Barrow County fire crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Holsenbeck School Road after a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found flames showing from the garage and roof of a two-story home.

The fire caused extensive damage to the home, according to Lt. Scott Dakin with Barrow County Fire and Emergency Services. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to help the family of four displaced by the fire.

Dakin said the cause of the fire is under investigation by the department’s arson unit and the Barrow County Sheriff’s Department. There were no injuries reported.