22-224 Detectives Investigate Fatal Structure Fire in Dunedin
Fire Investigation
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Robbery/Homicide Unit
-Burglary/Pawn Unit
Dunedin Fire Department
Patricia Mitchell (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 05/24/1940
Address: 1695 Lakeview Lane, Apartment D, Dunedin
PINELLAS COUNTY – On Thursday, November 24, 2022 at approximately 9:13 a.m., deputies responded to 1695 Lakeview Lane, Apartment D in Dunedin to a report of an active fire. Upon arrival, deputies located 82-year-old Patricia Mitchell outside her residence. She was transported to a local hospital. Deputies remained on scene while the Dunedin Fire Department worked to extinguish the blaze.
Several hours later Mitchell was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit and the Burglary/Pawn Unit are investigating the fire and say a neighbor called 9-1-1 shortly before 9:13 a.m. The neighbor pulled Mitchell from the doorway of the residence after hearing her call for help. According to detectives, the main door to the residence was open, but the screen door was closed at the time that Mitchell was calling for help.
The Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death while detectives say the fire appears to be accidental in nature.
Next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
