RUTLAND, Mass (WHDH) — Friday night investigators in Rutland went in to the home where a woman was found dead during a fire in Rutland.
Authorities aren't identifying the woman who was killed, but say this fire may have been set intentionally.
Emergency responders were called to the fire early in the morning and found the woman’s body on the first floor.
"I couldn't believe it. I've been leaving her messages on her cell phone hoping that it wasn't true. It's just so unbelievable to me that this is happening. That it is true,” Kathy Clark, the victim’s friend, said.
Neighbors called 911 when they saw the smoke around 7 a.m., they said firefighters were at the scene within minutes.
"The Rutland Fire Department was here along with like 5 or 6 other departments and they knocked it down really, really fast,” Chris Roy said.
After the fire was extinguished investigators had to wait on a search warrant to enter the house.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said there was some sort of suspicious activity around her body, but wouldn't say much else.
"Based on the state police detective's training and experience, what he noticed is what I can only describe as suspicious activity at this time,” Early said.
Investigators are also looking for a vehicle seen around the home to question the driver.
Neighbors said they’re mostly worried about the woman’s family.
"It's a pretty crappy feeling, especially around this time of year. I know she has a couple of kids. It's a little unsettling,” Roy said.
State Police and the Worcester County District Attorney continued their investigation well into the night on Friday.