HOUSTON – Officials with the Houston Fire Department are investigating after a man died in a house fire on Houston’s south side Tuesday.
Firefighters were called to the scene in the 3700 block of Ward Street around 3:15 a.m.
According to investigators, Anthony Robinson, 63 was trapped inside the home. Although the house was reportedly locked up tightly, firefighters were able to get inside and found Robinson at the back of the residence. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Officers with the Houston Police Department said the blaze started in the living room and is being investigated as a suspicious fire. Police said they currently have Robinson’s roommate in custody. Robinson’s roommate also called the police to alert them about the fire.
According to officers, the victim had requested HPD’s help in beginning an eviction process on the person of interest. The homeowner wanted the man to move out and had been feuding with him for two days.
Nettie Jackson told KPRC 2 that Robinson, her cousin, was more than family-- he was her friend and confidant.
“I’m numb, I’m really numb,” Jackson said.
Jackson said her cousin was someone who would help those in need and recently, he was letting someone stay at his house.
“This guy needed a place to stay and Anthony said he would give him a place to stay for a while,” Jackson said. “And that’s what he did. That’s the kind of person that Anthony was.”
The suspect told police the victim pointed a gun at him a few days ago. The district attorney’s office reportedly did charge the victim in the incident.