What began as a house fire is now a homicide investigation after Detroit police say the body of a 91-year-old man had been shot and doused with gasoline.

Paul Monchnik

The Detroit News reports the victim has been identified as Paul Monchnik, who lived by himself. Police and fire crews were called to Monchnik's home at 2:50 a.m. on Monday.

Sgt. Michael Woody says investigators found body covered with an accelerant, most likely gasoline. The remains sustained "fatal trauma" before being set on fire. Woody also notes that the house was broken into and a robbery took place.

Monchnik's family and neighbors describe him as a quiet TV repairman, humble father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Fox 2 Detroit says.

Gerald Stewart III, Monchnik's neighbor, says he was on the phone with his girlfriend at the time of the incident. He noticed movement in Monchnik's home, and thought it was strange his neighbor was up so late.

"And I just [saw] the person driving off with his car," Stewart says. "Two minutes later, I walk in the house and we smell fire."

According to the police report, investigators say Monchnik was shot in his head and sustained cuts to his face and hand. No weapons were found, Fox 2 says.

Results of an autopsy were pending on Monday evening, a spokesman for the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office adds.