Body With Single Gunshot Wound Found Inside Burned Hermiston Home

Last night, March 2, 2020, at approximately 8:11 PM, Umatilla County Fire District 1 responded to a report of a structure fire at Chateaubri Mobile Home Park located at 1030 SW 11^th Street.  According to a press release, fire personnel arrived on the scene and quickly began to suppress the fire.  During an interior search, firefighters located a deceased male.  Hermiston Police Officers arrived on the scene and began assisting UCFD1.

Fire District 1 had a total of 3 engines, 1 ladder, 1 ambulance, two chief officers, and the Fire Marshall respond. The Umatilla Fire Department also sent one engine under mutual-aid. When they arrived, fire was coming from the roof at the back of the single wide manufactured home. They did remove the victim during the fire attack/search and rescue operation of the residence. They also saved a small dog in addition to protecting adjacent homes during this wind driven fire.

A subsequent investigation led to the identification of a 25-year-old Hermiston male with what appeared to be a single gunshot wound.  A handgun was located inside the residence and next of kin has been notified.

UCFD1 and HPD personnel were still on the scene this morning.  UCFD1 is assessing to determine the cause of the fire and HPD is collecting evidence for the arson and death investigation.  An autopsy will likely be scheduled for a later date.