The Columbia Police Department (CPD), Columbia Fire Department (CFD), and the Richland County Coroner’s Office are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred last night.
CFD crews responded to 3417 Carver Street shortly after 10:30 p.m. on June 18, 2018 for a reported structure fire.
As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, crews found a deceased female inside the home and called for CPD officers to arrive on scene to investigate.
According to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts, an autopsy was performed this morning on 68-year-old Francena Willingham. The results of the autopsy are still pending additional testing; however, there does not appear to be any signs of foul play at this time.
The Columbia Fire Department continues to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Citizens with information about the fire are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers in any ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto: www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.