Fire Occurs Sunday Night, One Fatality Confirmed A blaze erupted around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026, at the 1400 block of South 216th Street in Des Moines, Washington, prompting a rapid response from South King firefighters who entered the home and found a single deceased occupant [2]. Initial reports withheld the victim’s identity and cause of death while investigators examined the scene [2]. The incident prompted a joint investigation by King County fire investigators and Des Moines police, and one lane of the street remained closed for evidence collection [2].

Investigation Shifts to Homicide After Stabbing Discovered When firefighters searched the burning residence, they uncovered a body with multiple stab wounds, prompting detectives to treat the fire as a homicide rather than a simple arson case [1]. The discovery redirected investigative resources toward determining a motive and potential suspect [1]. Authorities emphasized that the shift in focus does not indicate an ongoing threat to the surrounding community [1].

Victim Identified as 45‑Year‑Old Bradley Sanders The King County Medical Examiner later confirmed the deceased as Bradley Sanders, a 45‑year‑old man, whose death resulted from several stab injuries [1]. Sanders’ identity was released only after the medical examiner’s determination, and details about the stabbing remain sealed to preserve investigative integrity [1]. No additional victims were found at the scene [1].

Public Safety Not Threatened, Road Closure Maintained Police assured residents that there is no continuing danger to the public while the homicide investigation proceeds [1][2]. A temporary lane closure on South 216th Street remains in effect to allow investigators safe access to the property [2]. Officials indicated the blockage will be lifted once evidence collection is complete and the case’s integrity is secured [1][2].