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BREAKING- Just before 1 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 19, the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) dispatched to the 4400 block of Independence Ave., within the Lykins neighborhood on reported smoke call.

Once on the scene, crews discovered smoke coming from a two-story, apartment building near the dispatch location.

After locating the fire near the backside of the second floor, crews initiated internal operations using handlines, according to a release from KCFD Battalion Chief and Public Information Officer, Riley Nolan early Friday morning.

At that same time, Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) officers responded to meet KCFD crews at the dispatch location, once an adult male victim was located inside the apartment.

KCFD pronounced the victim deceased prior to KCPD’s arrival, according to a release from KCPD Media Unit, Friday morning.

Upon arrival, KCPD Violent Crimes Division and Bomb and Arson Detectives began a death investigation, which currently remains ongoing. Investigators and medical examiners have discovered upon preliminary investigation that this incident may not have been a direct result of the fire or from natural causes, according to a release from KCPD Media Unit, Friday morning.

KCFD crews utilized two handlines to get the flames under control. A search of the unit was completed, which came back all clear. Firefighters extinguished the fire by 1:12 a.m., according to Nolan.

This incident is currently under homicide investigation and remains ongoing at this time. Homicide detectives canvased the area for any evidence and collected witness statements from both the homicide and from the apartment fire incidents.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, the victim was identified as Robert Hill B/M 01-12-1981.

Those with additional information are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

The Northeast News will provide more information as it becomes available.