Investigators have identified the man who was found dead inside a burning house north of Raymond Monday night. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department says 70 year old Gerald Socha was the resident and the one who called 911 to report his attic was on fire.
The sheriff’s department says the cause of death was smoke inhalation and burns. Two dogs were rescued from the house and suffered minor smoke inhalation. They were turned over to the Capital Humane Society until Socha’s family can take custody.
The fire broke out around 10:40 p.m. Monday at 18201 N.W. 84. When deputies arrived the house was on fire. They searched outbuildings and the surrounding area, but did not find anyone. Raymond and Malcolm Fire crews found the body inside the house. Dental records were used to make a positive identification.
The $300,000 home was destroyed. The State Fire Marshal has determined the cause of the fire to be faulty electrical components.