SAN ANTONIO -- Homicide detectives were called to the scene of a house fire early Wednesday after a woman and young girl were found dead inside the home.
Fire crews responded to the 200 block of Karen Lane near Rittiman on the Northeast Side around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. By the time firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Arson investigators believe the fire was intentionally set.
Investigators say the body of the woman was found in a side bedroom during a primary search of the home. Officials say she was murdered before the fire was set. They have not released any more details about her death.
The second victim, an 11-year-old little girl, was found in a back bedroom under debris during a secondary search. Officials are calling her death "suspicious."
Police are now searching for the woman's estranged husband. Neighbors say there was a history of domestic disputes between the two. Police did confirm to News 4 WOAI officers were called to the home within the last month to respond to one of those disputes.
Arson dogs were called to the scene to determine if accelerants were used to start the fire.
Neighbors say the home was used as a child care center during the day, and the woman found dead inside the home cared for the children.
