A fire that killed a man and damaged 23 units at a self-storage facility in Bismarck, N.D., last week is being ruled as arson and an apparent suicide. Kelly Saude, 54, was found dead inside the unit he rented. Investigators say they found a melted gas can and gasoline-soaked rag near Saude’s body. An autopsy revealed he died from smoke inhalation.
The fire, set on Oct. 28, was contained within three storage units but caused smoke damage to 20 others, according to the source. Saude’s body wasn’t found until Oct. 30, when an insurance inspector discovered it among the debris.
“Normally the fire department searches areas that might be expected to be occupied,” Fire Chief Joel Boespflug told the source. “Due to this fire occurring in a cold storage unit, and in consideration of other circumstances, there was no expectation, nor was it evident, that any victim was inside.”
Saude was reported missing to Bismarck police by family members on Oct. 28, after their last contact with him was on Oct. 26.
Sources:
- The Bismarck Tribune: Bismarck Police Call Saude Death Apparent Suicide
- The Bismarck Tribune: Body Found in Storage Unit Identified
- The Bismarck Tribune: Police Rule Storage Unit Fire as Arson
