Homicide ruled in death of child at burned house

DETROIT Wayne County spokesman Dennis Niemiec says Monday the girl appears to have been about 5 to 7 years old and her identity will be determined through DNA testing. An autopsy determined that she died of asphyxia and her death has been ruled a homicide.

Niemiec says the girl's skull also was crushed.

Sunday morning's fire at the two-family flat was being investigated as arson.

Meanwhile, Detroit police are continuing their search for a 5-year-old girl reported missing from her home Sunday by her mother. An Amber Alert was issued Sunday afternoon for Mariha Trenice Smith.

The homes are just over a mile apart.

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