Body found after fire burned Mesa home

MESA, Ariz. - A body has been found after a fire burned a home in Mesa.

The fire happened at around 5:30 p.m. on May 8 near Gilbert Road and 8th Avenue.

Firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading to other homes, but they said an occupant was "unaccounted for."

On May 13, Mesa Police confirmed the victim's identity as 57-year-old Richard Daniels.

"The cause and manner of death are pending and the origin and cause of the fire is still under investigation," Det. Brandi Myers said.

Loved one remembers victim

A woman with a broken heart was standing right out front of the charred home.

"I’m not going to have him to talk to you about this," said Amy Perille, the victim's former girlfriend.

She says they lived in this house together several years ago. They stayed in touch after that.

She calls him a kind man, and a bit of a hoarder.

Big TVs and movie box sets scattered throughout the home fit for a large family. Nonetheless, he lived alone.

Perille says well into his 50s, Daniels still wanted to be a rock star. Rocking long hair and all.

"It was 80s metal guy, still was trying to be in a band and make it big," she said.

This house fire ended those dreams, and crushed hers.

"The flames, but mostly just lots and lots of smoke, probably went up roughly higher, but it’s roughly the height of the pole there," said Robert Tanner, a neighbor.

When the smoke cleared, a body was found inside. A life taken too soon, and taking with it, Perille's best friend.

A place she’s sadly been before.

"I lost another boyfriend about 10 years ago to cirrhosis, so I kind of feel like a black widow and also kind of blame it myself because he lived in California, and he moved out here for me, so if I didn’t meet him, he might still be alive," Perille said.

She says Daniels was found on the bed in the master bedroom.

Map of area where the fire broke out