Full Notification

******UPDATE ON SUSPICIOUS DEATH******
The victim has been identified as Michael James Johnson, 55 years old

The autopsy on the fire victim was completed yesterday, 4/28/15. Per the Medical Examiner there were no signs of trauma to the body (except for a small bump on the forehead consistent with a fall). There was evidence of soot in the lungs indicating he was alive during the small fire. The final tissue results that would confirm carbon monoxide poisoning are pending. Investigators learned from evidence and witness statements that Mr. Johnson commonly started small fires in his motorhome to cook and keep warm. He was seen barbequing in his motorhome the day prior. The motorhome doors were locked from the inside and there were no signs of forced entry or a struggle. Arson investigators found no signs of an accelerant. It appeared that a small fire spread to portions of Mr. Johnson's bed. From his body position, it appears that Mr. Johnson awoke and got out of bed. However, as he made his way to the exit, he was overcome with smoke, became disoriented, and fell to the floor near the door.


Original Release Below:


On 04/26/2015, at approximately 8:37 pm, officers from the Chula Vista Police Department responded to a radio call to check the welfare of a subject found unresponsive inside a motorhome parked in the 500 block of C Street. When officers arrived on scene they needed to force entry into the motorhome in an effort to assist the unresponsive subject. After gaining access to the motorhome the subject was pronounced dead at the scene.

While investigating the incident officers found evidence of a recent fire inside the motorhome. Detectives from the Crimes of Violence Unit were then called to the scene. They are currently attempting to determine the cause of death and reason for the fire inside the motorhome. Detectives at this time are considering the death suspicious and are asking anyone with information to please call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.