DETROIT -- Detroit police have determined that a fire Sunday on the city’s east side was intentional. But it's what was found in the basement of the house after flames were extinguished that has investigators and neighbors on alert.

Investigators at the scene said the house on St. Aubin Street was supposed to be vacant, but the body of a man was found in the basement after firefighters put out the fire.

Next-door neighbor Kristal White said the only sign of the fire was smoke coming from the heat vents on the house's roof.

"Somebody set it on fire, but there's also a body in the basement," White said. "So that's what makes me think that they maybe set the house on fire to try and cover up the murder."

Investigators said a fire accelerant was found in the basement.

White said the house may be empty but that it is not abandoned. She said maintenance workers stop by the property every two weeks to cut the grass and make sure the house is still boarded up.

"Sometimes they even go in, so that's why I'm confused," White said. "It scares me in a way because I've got two daughters."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department.