Questions after deadly fire claims two on Detroit's west side - Fox 2 News Headlines

Questions after deadly fire claims two on Detroit's west side

Posted: Updated:
Bobby Cross was one of two killed in a house fire Monday morning on Detroit's west side. Bobby Cross was one of two killed in a house fire Monday morning on Detroit's west side.
DETROIT (WJBK) -

After the flames were out and the smoke cleared away, investigators went to work to try and determine how a fire started and whether it was an accident or arson.

We've learned the bodies of 67-year-old Bobby Cross and his stepson, Darryl Sims, were found in the hallway.

The small ranch home didn't have smoke detectors, but it's believed the two must have been awake and were trying to escape the flames.  Simms suffered a stroke and the men may have been trying to help each other out of the house, but didn't make it.

Cross' longtime companion and Sims' mother left for work shortly before the fire broke out Monday around 6:00 a.m.  She said there was another guy in the house.  He would live with them from time to time.  She didn't know if he had anything to do with the fire, but family members told us the man argued with Cross recently about money.

While detectives search for answers, family members returned to the home to salvage memories in the soot covered debris.

Neighbors tried to save the two men, but they couldn't reach them in time.  They wonder if the firefighters would have arrived sooner would the two men still be alive.  So many questions that even if they are answered will never fill the void of the men's tragic deaths.

  • Ronnie DahlRonnie Dahl

  • Saturday, February 23 2013 11:33 PM EST2013-02-24 04:33:03 GMT
    An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
    An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
  • Saturday, February 23 2013 8:56 PM EST2013-02-24 01:56:59 GMT
    Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.n.
    Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.
  • Monday, February 18 2013 6:38 PM EST2013-02-18 23:38:52 GMT
    A mother is pained beyond words.  Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house.  The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
    A mother is pained beyond words.  Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house.  The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
Powered by WorldNow

WJBK-TV | Fox 2
16550 West Nine Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48075

Main Station: (248) 557-2000
Newsroom: (248) 552-5103

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices