Apparent burglar dies in chimney after homeowner lights fire

A 19-year-old suspected thief died in chimney after homeowner lights fire

(Image credit: Twitter/@FresnoBee)

published 30 November 2015

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.

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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.