The person whose body was found among the debris of an intentionally set fire Sunday has been identified as a Vancouver woman who worked at the Sifton market.
Amy Marie Hooser, 47, of Vancouver died of smoke inhalation and blunt force injuries to the head, which was ruled a homicide, according to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Clark County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Duncan Hoss said that Hooser was an employee of the Oasis Food Mart and was opening up the store when the crime happened.
Hoss said that detectives are still investigating whether the death was a result of a robbery or caused by someone who knows Hooser. Investigators are not releasing any more details such as suspect information.
Hooser’s body was found following a fire that originated in the food mart at the Sifton area strip mall Sunday.
Firefighters were called to the Sifton Plaza, a four-unit retail complex at 13412 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., at about 5:40 a.m. Sunday and found flames and smoke coming from the building’s roof. Arriving crews called for a three-alarm fire, prompting dozens of firefighters to respond.
Firefighters took a defensive approach, attacking the blaze from the outside. Crews later found a body inside the structure.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office said major crimes detectives are investigating the circumstances of the blaze and ask anyone with tips to contact the sheriff’s office, 360-397-2211.
The complex, on the north side of Northeast Fourth Plain Boulevard, had a Texaco gas station and the Oasis Market convenience store, along with three other small tenants: a barber shop, pet supply store and pet grooming business.