Fatal Southwest Philadelphia fire being investigated as homicide

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating a fire where a 21-year-old woman was found dead in Southwest Philadelphia as a homicide.

Police said officers and fire crews and responded to the 5200 block of Chester Avenue for reports of a fire with people trapped inside around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Kiara Watkins, 21, of the 5200 block of West Thompson Street, was found inside a bedroom in a rear apartment.

A police source told Action News she may have been dead before the fire started.

Police announced Wednesday that an investigation is active and ongoing with the Homicide Detectives Division.

There is no word on a motive or a suspect at this time.

Police said all others in the home made it out safely and there were no other injuries.