Fresno County Sheriff's Office: Deceased Man In House Fire Found With Possible Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

Press release from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office:

February 9, 2022

Homicide detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of 74 year old Michael Colvin.

Around 5:30 am, firefighters with Cal Fire - Fresno County Fire responded to a house fire located on the 4500 block of N. Argyle Ave. in Fresno’s Tarpey Village neighborhood. A neighbor who was leaving for work discovered the fire. He rushed to the home to help Colvin, whom he knew lived there alone. The neighbor knocked down the door and found Colvin on the ground a short distance away. Fighting through heavy smoke, the neighbor was able to drag Colvin out to the front yard. Firefighters arrived and began to battle the blaze and provide medical attention to Colvin, who was later determined to be deceased. Firefighters noticed the victim had an apparent gunshot wound, so they contacted the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Homicide detectives responded to the scene and began an investigation.

Detectives and members of the Crime Scene Unit conducted interviews and examined evidence in and around the home. Based upon everything found thus far, detectives and arson investigators are focusing on Colvin as being the person potentially responsible for starting the fire and shooting himself.

A final determination on the cause of death will be made during an autopsy conducted by the Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Juan Galindo at (559) 600-8215 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

This press release was produced by the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.