Body found with head wound inside burning house on Detroit's west side

A body found burning inside a home on Detroit's west side - now police are trying to identify the victim and a killer.

"I saw smoke coming out of both bedroom windows," said Alvin Ray, who called 911. "So I pulled my car closer to the end of the block and called 911."

The house was vacant, located on Archdale near seven mile and Southfield. Now Detroit police and neighbors are waiting to hear who the victim was.

"I'm choked up," said William Webber who lives on Archdale. "I'm out of words. I don't even know what to say."

The body was discovered in the basement of this house. Police say the burns were so bad, they can't even determine the age or gender of the victim.

Sources on the scene say the body had a gunshot wound to the head, and the fire appears to have also started in the basement.

"We're still actively pursuing and responding to leads that we're receiving," said Police Chief James Craig.

Crime and death is all too common to the people living on Archdale and neighbors say money is tight and tension is high.

"A lot of crime is going on," said Tyrell Goldsby, who lives on Archdale. "This is the season of stress. People don't have gifts for their kids, all kind of stuff, so you're going to see a whole lot of stuff going on. Hopefully I'm wrong."

There are no suspects at this time. If you know anything about this case, call Detroit police at (313) 596-5200  or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.