Autopsy reveals woman found dead after Central Fresno house fire victim of homicide

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- From the very beginning detectives say a house fire in Central Fresno appeared suspicious. Finally, this Thursday, the Coroner's Office confirmed those suspicions.

"What we found so far is that, yes, indeed it does appear that this is gonna be a homicide, there was some trauma to the body," said Lt. Dave Madrigal, Fresno Police.

Family members and friends say the victim was 52-year-old Beth Webster. Linda Johnson has been close friends with her for nearly 20 years. She was too shaken up to talk about the newest revelations but told us from the start she knew something wasn't right.

"I can't believe it; I'm kind of in a shock right now."

Detectives believe the victim was killed before the house caught on fire and that the fire may have been intentionally set in to cover up the murder.

"The picture is becoming clearer as to what happened, but it just takes a little bit of time," said Madrigal.

Johnson said she hasn't been able to eat or sleep since learning what happened.

"I want everyone to know she was a sweetheart, a kind, beautiful person, I loved her very much."

Johnson said she feels a little bit of closure now, knowing that detectives are actively gathering information before making an arrest.