Crime & Safety
Hillsboro Weil Arcade Fire Debris Gives Up Victim After 5 Weeks
The arson investigation into the fire that destroyed much of the Weil Arcade Building in Hillsboro is now a murder probe. A body was found.
HILLSBORO, OR — On January 2, a fire severely damaged parts of the Weil Arcade Building in downtown Hillsboro. Three days later, Hillsboro Police arrested Roel Leon and charged with arson.
On Wednesday, the police announced that what had been an arson investigation may now be a murder probe.
Earlier this week, investigators discovered the body of a man who had apparently died in the fire. The medical examiner confirmed that, saying the cause of death was smoke inhalation. Officials don't believe that the man worked in the building.
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They are trying to learn his identity.
Police say that they had only recently been able to start a thorough search of the building because safety concerns had held up efforts.
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Officials do not believe that there are any other victims in the building.
The Washington County District Attorney will now review the new information and decide whether to add more charges to the case against Leon.
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