Police ID victim of Harbor House fire, call death ‘suspicious’

Harbor House flames
Fire sweeps through Harbor House apartment building in Claymont. (Photo: DFN)

UPDATED STORY: Man charged with murdering mom; body found after fire

CLAYMONT, DELAWARE (12/29/2014) The victim of a fire at the Harbor House apartment complex in Claymont was identified today and police called the death “suspicious.”

Juanita Lara, 57, was found dead following the fire Dec. 21 in the 200 block of Harbor Drive, New Castle County police said. The cause of death was not released.

The fire forced 38 people from their apartments and caused an estimated $1 million damage.

Police and the state Fire Marshal’s Office have been investigating the blaze to determine how it started.

Officer First Class Tracey Duffy asked anyone with information to call Detective M. DiSabatino at 302-395-2744.

Tips also may be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards, at 800-847-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com.

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