HPD: Two people found dead in Acres Homes fire were killed

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two people who were found dead in a burning home this morning in the Acres Homes area were actually killed, say police.

The fire that began shortly after midnight shocked long-time residents in the quiet neighborhood. Only in daylight did the tragic news begin to sink in.

"When I passed by, I was like, oh my God, that's the old lady who is confined to the house who lives there," said neighbor William Neal. "It's a shock because she's been there for a while."

Houston arson investigators and homicide detectives quickly realized this wasn't a simple New Years Eve tragedy. Rather, something much more sinister.

"I can't give you anything about this at the scene, but we are treating it as a homicide investigation," said Officer Kenneth Elliot with the Houston Police Department.

Someone killed the elderly lady and the young man who neighbors described as the woman's caretaker.

But with little information and no one under arrest, neighbors are on edge.

"It makes me concerned," said neighbor Florence Wiggins. "Especially on New Year's Eve. I don't know how it could have happened."

No one is in custody, but police say they're looking for a blue Buick sedan with license plate BN6H22. If you see the vehicle, you're asked to call police.