Police investigate homicide after body found in burning Gary house

GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- The death of a 70-year-old man found in his burning Gary house early Saturday is being investigated as a homicide after officials determined that the fire was caused by arson.

The victim, identified by family members as Gerald Yager, was found dead in at about 4 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters were putting out a fire in the 5100-block of Washington Street when they discovered the body inside the house, said Gary Police Sgt. Thomas Decanter.

John Yager, the victim's son, is looking for answers as he sifted through the burned-house Gary home where he grew up.

"It was so brutal," John Yager said. "It was so callous. He was executed. Bottom line."

Smoke-damaged photos showed Yager in happier times. These days he spent most of his time at home, looking forward to visits from his son and three grand-children. He had breathing problems, which were caused by years of working at the steel mills.

"He was so proud of his grandchildren," Yager said. "I was supposed to be over here today. He was supposed to see them today."

The newly formed Lake County Metro Homicide Unit is investigating. Officials are not disclosing how the fire was set and it is unclear whether Yager was targeted. It is also unclear how long the fire had been burning before firefighters arrived.