Body found in Jesup home after it burned down

JESUP, Ga. - Jesup officials have reported the discovery of a body inside a home that burned down in the beginning of January. An investigation has been opened.

What we know:

The home, located at 204 North Palm Street, caught on fire on Jan. 6.

The discovery of the body was reported to the Office of the City Manager Nicholas D. Ellis and other elected officials on Jan. 24.

Ellis said his office would be reviewing all internal protocols and processes used by the Jesup Fire Department. Ellis also said he would support the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Jesup Police Department in their investigation of both the cause of the fire and the cause of the victim's death.

What we don't know:

We don't know the identity of the victim or whether the body was found the same day that Ellis' office and others were notified, or after.

It's not clear whether officials suspect arson or any other criminal activity in this case. There has been no word yet on suspects in this very preliminary investigation.

What they're saying:

"Although the incident's circumstances remain unknown, we kindly ask for you to allow the public safety officials to investigate the facts surrounding the structure fire's origin and the GBI crime lab to conduct an autopsy and provide a completed report," City Manager Ellis said in a statement. "We expect the police chief to request the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to assist if there is any indication of foul play in this incident."

What you can do:

If you have any information pertaining to this investigation, you can call the Jesup Police Department at 912-427-1300 or the State Fire Marshal's Office at 470-572-5722.