MURPHY — A father was found dead in his burning house in Murphy Sunday morning, police said.
Police Chief G.M. Cox said the department was alerted about the fire in the 200 block of Seleta Drive at 10:27 a.m. The first officers to arrive found the home fully engulfed in flames.
The adult male in his 40s, whose name was not released, was found dead inside a room in the front of the two-story home.
Neighbors said a couple live at the home with their young son.
"I have no idea why it's happened over there because they seemed a very loving family, and both are very nice," said Rubina Daudpota, a neighbor.
The victim was active with his son's Boy Scout troop, volunteering in a leadership role.
While the cause of death of the father is still under investigation, authorities said they do not suspect foul play and that his death was not related to the fire. Authorities said they believe the fire was intentionally set since it appeared to have ignited at various locations throughout the home. An accelerant also is suspected to have been used.
Murphy firefighters called for help from Plano, Wylie and Sachse to bring the fire under control.
E-mail jbetz@wfaa.com
