A woman was found dead inside a burning home on Gibson Road near the South Carolina state line, after investigators say she suffered injuries from an apparent assault. Cleveland County deputies responded to the house in the 100 block of Gibson Road on Friday, where county fire crews were already working the scene.
According to Queen City News, there was an active fire in the kitchen area of the home, which triggered the fire alarm. Firefighters searching the residence located a woman inside and immediately notified the sheriff's office to respond. The fire was contained and the residence was secured once crews gained control of the flames.
Victim Pronounced Dead at the Scene
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained during the apparent assault, the outlet's report states. Investigators have not said how the fire started or how the assault occurred. WBTV reported that the sheriff's office said her body was specifically found in the kitchen of the home, located on Gibson Road in Shelby.
That same station's report noted it was not immediately clear how the fire began or how the woman was attacked, leaving both key questions unanswered as of Friday. No details on a suspect, motive, or possible charges have been released.
Identity Withheld Pending Notification
Authorities said the victim's identity will not be released until positive identification is made and her family has been notified. The scene remains an active investigation, and no further updates had been provided at the time of the initial reports.
The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling the department's non-emergency line at 704-484-4822, or through the sheriff's office app or website.
