Morris woman dies in self-started fire
December 5, 2012 9:52PM
Updated: January 7, 2013 7:15AM
A Morris woman who was in danger of being evicted from her home died Nov. 16 from carbon monoxide poisoning in a fire that she apparently started, authorities said Wednesday.
Charisse Kotowski, 61, was found dead in the garage of her house. A forensic examination and toxicology testing determined that she died from inhaling smoke and soot, Grundy County Coroner John Callahan reported. He ruled the death a suicide based on an investigation by his office and the Morris fire and police departments.
At the time, neighbors said Kotowski, who lived alone and mainly kept to herself, may have received an eviction notice the morning she died in the suspected arson fire.
Firefighters were called to the 1600 block of Creek Drive shortly before 11 a.m. after a neighbor saw smoke coming from the garage. Authorities said several deliberately set fires were burning throughout the house.
House fire
Fire early Wednesday severely damaged a two-story house in the 6500 block of Breckinridge Drive on the west side of Joliet.
Joliet fire officials said the fire was reported at 8 a.m. in the garage of the house. One man was home at the time and escaped unharmed. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the home is inhabitable, fire officials said.
In other police news:
Robert G. Carter, 26, 2808 Amanda, Joliet, was arrested Tuesday by Romeoville police on a charge of narcotics possession.
Kamille Garnett, 22, of the 100 block of Nicholson in Joliet, was arrested Wednesday by Will County sheriff’s police on a charge of selling marijuana.
Marino D. Fernandez, 22, 450 Rothbury, Bolingbrook, was arrested Wednesday by Bolingbrook police with possession of narcotics.
Louis Capuzi, 55, 702 N. Rockwell, Chicago, was arrested Wednesday by Shorewood police on a charge of residential burglary.
Brian Bixenman, 24, 24126 W. Chicago St., Plainfield, was arrested Wednesday by Will County sheriff’s police on a charge of burglary.
