21-067 Detectives Investigate Fatal Apartment Fire in Madeira Beach

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
-Arson/Auto Theft Unit

Madeira Beach Fire Department

Treasure Island Fire Department

William Barnard (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 10/31/1950
Address: 140 147^th Avenue, Madeira Beach

PINELLAS COUNTY – On Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at approximately 7:40 a.m., deputies responded to 140 147^th Avenue in Madeira Beach to a report of an active fire. Deputies remained on scene while the Madeira Beach Fire Department and the Treasure Island Fire Department worked to extinguish the blaze. Once the fire was out, 70-year-old William Barnard was located inside. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Investigators assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit and the Arson/Auto Theft Unit are investigating the fire and say a neighbor called 9-1-1 shortly before 7:40 a.m. this morning. The neighbor smelled smoke coming from the adjacent apartment and when she knocked on Barnard’s door, she saw smoke coming from the inside.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death while investigators say the fire appears to be accidental in nature.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.