Detroit marijuana grow operation burned, body with gunshots inside

DETROIT (WJBK) - A body was found inside a marijuana grow operation at a house Tuesday after the home caught on fire. Police say the fire was likely set to cover up a murder.

The home on Detroit's west side was torched Tuesday morning. Fire crews arrived at the 22000 block of Santa Maria around 8:30 after the fire originally started in the garage but then spread to the house.

As they were putting out the flames crews say they found a body on the first floor in the kitchen. According to police, the man had been shot and was partially burned.

Police were called to the scene to investigate. As they were searching for evidence they say the home appears to be a grow operation.

"It was shocking the cops went back there and found a house full of marijuana," neighbor Gus Stone.

He and other neighbors say its unfortunate that something like this would happen on their block because so many efforts are underway to turn this neighborhood around.

"I feel so bad cause my husband and I lived in this area for so long and we can see they're trying to make a comeback and I feel bad for owner. He has been trying to fix up two or three of these houses," neighbor Susan Hayner said. "Oh gosh, I hope it's not him."

The investigation is still ongoing and police ask anyone who has information that can help solve this case to contact them at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.