Man found in St. Matthews residential garage identified

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The man who was found dead in a fire-damaged St. Matthews residential garage Wednesday morning has been identified.

Stanley Bottom, 51, died of smoke inhalation, according to Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Scott Russ. Bottom's manner of death, however, is listed as "pending."

The St. Matthews Police Department said officers were dispatched at 7:04 a.m. Wednesday to the 6900 block of Watford Court where the homeowner had found the body. There were obvious signs of a fire in the structure, investigators said.

Bottom died at the scene at 7:23 a.m., according to Russ.

The homeowner told police Wednesday that he was familiar with the dead man, who he said had done work for him around the house in the past.

Bottom's last known address was in the 3400 block of Pflanz Ave. in Portland. 

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The homeowner said he was unaware of the fire until he went outside and tried to open the door to the detached garage. He couldn't get the door to open. When he finally entered the structure, he saw the man on the floor and signs of the fire, which also were visible from outside.

SMPD spokesman Dennis McDonald said the fire was "certainly suspicious."

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