SA Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of Bill Frangos in Woodville Gardens

Emergency services were called after a member of the public noticed a fire at the front of a house at 3 Essex St, Woodville Gardens shortly after 4am on Thursday.

The body of Bill Frangos was found in the house by firefighters.

Police have since launched an investigation into Mr Frangos’ death.

Acting Major Crime Detective Inspector Matthew Fitzpatrick said police believe the fire started shortly before 4am on Thursday and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

“The investigation is progressing very well and despite the fire we have found evidence inside the house and we are getting great cooperation from the community,” he said.

“Police are keeping an open mind as to the motive and who may be responsible for Bill’s murder, but believe it could be someone he knew.

“We are asking anyone who has had contact with Bill in the last six weeks to contact Crime Stoppers or anyone with direct information about Bill’s murder… if you are scared or concerned about your involvement or information you have… we can help any of your problems.

“We are looking for anyone who has the video recorder recordings (from November 6 to 7).

“Please help the family find answers to what happened early Thursday morning.

“If you have any answers, please contact us to help us solve this murder.”

Police found a jerry can on the front lawn of Mr Frangos’ home, which they believe contained petrol before it was set on fire.

Inspector Fitzpatrick said police were “keeping an open mind” about all possibilities and motives for the alleged murder, including Mr Frangos’ alleged involvement in growing cannabis.

“There is some information that cannabis was involved in this incident and we are looking into that,” he said.

“Items commonly used to grow cannabis were seized from a number of premises linked to Bill.”

Inspector Fitzpatrick said Mr Frangos had two premises in Essex Street and was “historically” known to police to grow cannabis.

“Bill was a long-time resident of 3 Essex Street and was well known there,” he said.

“He was known to have a large dog to protect him, and the house and front gate were usually locked.

“There were regulars at 3 Essex Street.”

Inspector Fitzpatrick said police believed the person or persons who allegedly killed Mr Frangos were known to him.

“Our inquiries are focusing on Bill’s movements, but we currently suspect that Bill was killed shortly before the fire,” he said.

Police confirmed that Mr Frangos’ dog was found unharmed in the backyard.

Originally published as SA Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of Bill Frangos in Woodville Gardens