A 63-year-old man whose body was discovered after a fire at a Gaithersburg, Maryland, townhouse last month was murdered, police say.
Steven Skalabrin was found dead in the basement after about 100 firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in the 1800 block of Windjammer Way the night of Tuesday, March 29.
On Wednesday, police said the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death Skalabrin's death a homicide and he had multiple injuries to his body. Police said earlier this month they were investigating his death as suspicious.
Firefighters initially thought the fire was being fueled by gas.
Two other men living in the home got out safely and told firefighters that Skalabrin, a roommate, lived in the basement and may still be inside the home, police said.
Skalabrin was a jeweler who made custom pieces. Friends said he had a history of drug abuse but had cleaned up his life and recently been baptized in the Mormon church.
Police are still investigating and ask that anyone with more information call (240) 773-5070. Those who wish to stay anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1 (866) 411-8477. Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
