Deadly Sterling Heights house fire: Accelerant used, 1 person in custody

17-year-old boy killed in house fire

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – One person is in custody in connection to a deadly house fire early Friday morning in Sterling Heights. 

Arson investigators found the fire suspicious when they arrived at the house in the 42000 block of Bloomingdale Drive. After an investigation, the Sterling Heights police chief said someone used an accelerant to set the fire.

A 17-year-old boy, identified as Matthew Marrocki-Yaldo, was trapped inside a bedroom in the home, investigators said. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

UPDATE: Brother in custody

The teen's sibling had to jump from the second floor to escape the fire. 

Teen trapped in bedroom

The fire allegedly started about 3 a.m. in the den on the first floor of the home. The teen's bedroom is above the den on the second floor. Fire officials said the teen was trapped because the fire started right beneath his room. He didn't have a chance to get out. Firefighters were distraught about not being able to save him. 

"It's always tough on our crews when they deal with that. The goal is to get here and get them out, and get them safely out. That doesn't always happen, though, depending on the fire location and the victims," said battalion chief Mark Docherty.

Four other family members were inside the home at the time of the fire. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries. 

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for more information as it becomes available.

STORY: Arson suspected in deadly Sterling Heights house fire


About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.