MADISON HEIGHTS – Sometime on Halloween night, police say a killer entered the home of Fernando Gonzales, strangled him and then set the house on fire.
Madison Heights Deputy Police Chief Corey Haines told the Daily Tribune Nov. 2 that Gonzales "led an alternative lifestyle" and that "the possibility exists this could have been motivated by a hate crime, that's one of the possibilities we're looking at."
Gonzales, 59, worked as a hair stylist out of his home and had lived in Madison Heights for 15 years. Gonzales was seen by strangers passing out candy earlier in the evening.
Police and firefighters arrived on the scene and considered the blaze suspicious. Police say the killer stole Gonzales' black Accura and the garage door was left open. The vehicle was later recovered Nov. 2 about a mile away in a shopping center parking lot.
Police have identified no suspect at this time but Haines believes Gonzales knew his killer fairly well, since there appeared to be no signs of forced entry.
Madison Heights police are seeking tips as they continue their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 248-585-2100.
Possible Hate Crime, Homicide In Madison Heights
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