MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – Police have released a sketch of a person of interest wanted in connection to the killing of a 59-year-old man who was found strangled following a fire at his Madison Heights home.
The body of Fernando Gonzales was found after firefighters arrived at his house on Groveland Street about 1 a.m. Sunday.
Cause of death was listed by the medical examiner's office as homicide caused by strangulation. Police said they're not ruling out that a hate crime was the motivation.
Deputy Chief Corey Haines said Gonzales' car was stolen, but has since been recovered -- and police think the fire was used to destroy evidence.
"He led an alternative lifestyle. So, we're not ruling out a possible hate crime of any kind. Again, we're looking at all leads that we have," Haines said.
Police said this sketch is of a man seen at the fire scene.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Madison Heights Police Department at 248-585-2100.
-- Fernando Gonzales