NORTH RICHMOND, CA — The death of a 23-year-old man in a house fire in North Richmond early Tuesday morning is now being classified as a homicide, Contra Costa County sheriff's officials said Wednesday.
Virillio Patino-Cruz died in a fire in the 1800 block of Giaramita Street that deputies initially responded around 4:45 a.m. Tuesday on a request by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District to assist with traffic control.
Patino-Cruz was found unresponsive in the home and was taken to a hospital where he later died.
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An autopsy Wednesday determined his cause of death was carbon dioxide intoxication due to smoke inhalation.
No suspect information related to the case was immediately available.
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Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or dispatch at (925) 646-2441. Tips can also be sent to tips@so.cccounty.us or by calling (866) 846-3592.
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