Police: Man found dead in Raleigh house fire was victim of a homicide

A man whose body was found after fire ripped through a Poole Road home on Wednesday died as a result of a homicide, Raleigh police said Sunday.

The man has been tentatively identified as Curtis Lamont Mitchell, 32, of Raleigh. Testing is underway to scientifically confirm Mitchell's identity, police said.

"Information concerning the cause of death and details about the fire are being withheld due to the ongoing homicide investigation," investigators said in a statement.

Mitchell was last seen alive on the 1900 block of Poole Road approximately 5-6 hours before the fire was reported, police said. His body was found inside a home at 2801 Poole Road after firefighters extinguished the blaze. Investigators said it appeared the fire was started intentionally.

Anyone with information about Mitchell's death is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org for text and email reporting options. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve cases.