Shotgun Shells Found at Fatal Fire Scene, But No Gun

Two spent shotgun shells were found near where a started Thursday on the second story of a Wauwatosa home, but no guns were uncovered on that floor, officials said Saturday.

The investigation at the scene of the fire at 1430 N. 119th concluded late Friday afternoon, Wauwatosa Fire Chief Rob Ugaste said.

The state fire marshal and Wauwatosa fire and police investigators have theorized it is very likely the shells could have discharged because of their proximity to the fire. Even if the shells were not in a weapon, this would have sounded like gunfire to the first responding companies, investigators said.

Fire units were hampered in battling the blaze, which was reported just before 9 a.m. Thursday, when the first firefighters to enter the home and police officers outside heard what sounded like gunshots.

Police officers immediately ordered firefighters back and out of the line of sight of the house, fearing there could be a "shooter" inside firing on them. SWAT teams were called to the scene and firefighters weren't allowed to battle the blaze for 90 minutes because of concerns that someone armed might have been inside.

The absence of a gun on the second floor of the house would seem to lay to rest the possibility of any shots being fired by John K. Lorentz, 50, who died in the fire. Lorentz lived with his elderly mother in the home.

The body found in the ruins has not been officially identified as that of Lorentz, but Patch is identifying him based on made available Friday that indicate Lorentz alone was known to be in the house and that he remains unaccounted for by his family.

The two spent shotgun shell casings were found near the fire origin in the north second-floor bedroom, Ugaste said.

"Despite a report that there was a gun in the home, no gun was found upstairs," Ugaste said. "A search of the rest of the home hasn't been completed, but even if there is one elsewhere, it wasn't where the fire and the gunshot sounds occurred."

One of Lorentz's brothers had told Wauwatosa detectives he believed Lorentz was in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun that he had borrowed for hunting and had not returned, according to a police report.

Meanwhile, the fire cause itself is still under investigation by all three agencies. The fire is believed to have started in the north second-floor bedroom, but because of extensive damage, further analysis will be required.

An autopsy was also completed by the Medical Examiner on Friday but results are currently being withheld, Ugaste said.