MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Detectives are asking for the public's help in finding two persons of interest and a vehicle in connection to a suspicious fatal mobile home fire in Marion County, deputies say.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office, in cooperation with the State Fire Marshal's Office, said it is investigating the fire that happened around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at 17760 NE 18th Ave. in Citra.
Dispatchers received a call reporting a lot of smoke coming from the home. Authorities said when firefighters arrived at the scene, two teams of firefighters entered the home to search for possible victims.
Firefighters pulled a 40-year-old man from the mobile home. He was not identified by deputies.
The homeowner was unresponsive when he was found. Crew members pulled him from the home and began assessment and treatment, authorities said.
Marion County Fire Rescue officials said the man was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Firefighters were able to stop the fire, which consumed about 25 percent of the home, officials said.
Detectives are currently looking for 22-year-old Crystal Faith Long and 23-year-old Dillon Gresham (pictured, above). Deputies said detectives are also searching for a 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass with license plate number 535-XQS. The rear reflector is missing from the vehicle, authorities said.
Anyone who has seen Long, Gresham or the vehicle is asked to call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 352-732-9111, or call Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP.