Apparent burglar dies in chimney after homeowner lights fire
A homeowner in Huron, California, knew something was wrong when he heard the screaming, he told Fresno County law enforcement. The unidentified homeowner called 911 on Saturday afternoon after lighting a fire in his fireplace, then quickly tried to put out the fire once he figured out the screaming was coming from the fireplace and smoke started pouring into the house. Sheriff's deputies and firefighters had to break open the chimney to get the suspected robber out, but he was dead by the time they reached him.
Fresno County Sheriff's Office spokesman Tony Botti said Sunday night that the coroner has identified the man in the chimney as Cody Caldwell, 19, and his cause of death was smoke inhalation and burns. Lt. Brandon Pursell of the county sheriff's office said that investigators believe that Caldwell tried to break into the house late on Friday night, then spent hours trapped in the chimney.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
New Year's Eve: UK events and celebrations
The Week Recommends Start 2025 with a bang by watching the best fireworks and extravaganzas around the country
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Five festive cocktails for Christmas 2024
The Week Recommends Serve seasonal cocktails for an extra special gathering
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Octopuses could be the next big species after humans
UNDER THE RADAR What has eight arms, a beaked mouth, and is poised to take over the planet when we're all gone?
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published