Charleston police said a homicide investigation is underway after a man was found dead at the scene of a fire. 52-year old Dennis R. Rutledge of Charleston was taken to a local hospital after he was found at the scene of the fire early Tuesday morning at a home in the 5200 block of MacCorkle Avenue. Charleston Police said firefighters found Rutledge on the second floor of the home and learned he had been squatting there. The fire was ruled an arson and the Charleston Fire Department and Charleston Police Department are investigating the incident as a homicide. There are no suspects and a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Police asked anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 304-348-6480, Metro Communications at 304-348-8111 or Target Arson, 1-800-233-3473.