Neighbors' house searched after 91-year-old murdered

DETROIT (WJBK) - Authorities are searching a home on Bentler Street on Detroit's northwest side early Tuesday morning after a 91-year-old man was found murdered inside a house fire the previous day.

Firefighters on the scene told Fox 2 that Monchnik was found lying on his back with his hands up. Moments before the blaze, neighbors say they noticed something odd.

"I was on the phone with my girlfriend and I looked over and I told her, 'Oh, he's at it again. He's about to go collect some TVs. But it's 2 a.m. what's he doing up?' And I just [saw] the person driving off with his car. Two minutes later, I walk in the house and we smell fire," said George Stewart III, Monchnik's neighbor.

Police say Monchnik's body was badly burned, with extensive fire damage throughout his home. They don't believe the flames are what killed Monchnik. According to the police report, investigators say it appears Monchnik was shot in the top of his head with cuts to his face and hand, but no weapon found inside.

Police have released a surveillance photo of a suspect. Monchnik's van is also still missing.

They were at Monchnik's neighbor's home searching for a few hours. No arrests were made, but we're told they interviewed multiple people inside. 

Police are now calling Stewart's 17-year-old grandson a suspect. 

Stewart says his grandson has been staying with him the past several days from Romulus. He says he's never been in serious trouble and prays he has nothing to do with this horrific crime. 

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 2 for updates.