Police: Body found, foul play suspected in Jacksonville apartment fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said foul play is suspected after a woman’s body was found following a fire at an abandoned apartment complex on West 6th Street.

Jacksonville Fire Rescue was in the area for training when crews spotted smoke coming from the multi-unit building and called it in.

Investigators were called to the fire just before 9 a.m. Friday, according to Sgt. EJ Bawroski. About a block away from the fire, there was a crash, and it appears an SUV crashed into the side of a church.

Bawroski said the Sheriff’s Office is working to determine if there’s any relation between the two scenes. Two people were detained and taken downtown for questioning.

The next lot over from the apartment building is currently under construction. Workers said it will become the MaliVai Washington Center Youth Center.

Police are asking the public for information. Anyone who can help is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500.