UPDATE 1/15/2018 10:55 PM: Investigators now confirm that this incident is being investigated as a homicide. There is a suspect in custody.
The victim is a 63-year-old female.
Officers contacted the suspect in downtown Seattle hours after the initial call in Lake City. Based on statements made by the suspect to the officers, the suspect was detained and transported to the homicide office, where he is being interviewed by detectives. Following his interview, the 23-year-old suspect will be booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Murder.
This remains an active and on-going investigation. There will be no further updates tonight.
Detectives are on the scene conducting a suspicious death investigation in the 2500 block of NE 107th Street.
Around 10:15 am, patrol officers responded to a residence in that block to check on the welfare of someone who lived there. As officers were knocking on the door, they heard what sounded like a smoke alarm sounding inside. Officers checked around the house and discovered smoke coming from inside. Officers immediately called for the Seattle Fire Department.
Fearing that someone may be inside, officers entered the house through an unlocked door and discovered an adult female inside, deceased. Officers asked for detectives to responded to the scene.
The Seattle Fire Department put out the fire and officers ensured that there were no other people inside the house. The officers then backed out of the house, contained the scene, and waited for detectives to arrive.
Detectives obtained a search warrant so they could re-enter the house and begin their investigation. Crime Scene Investigators are processing the scene. This remains an active and on-going investigation. We will update this post with additional information as it becomes available.