Two women shot in head found inside burning Philadelphia home

Two women died early Monday morning inside a burning East Mount Airy home, Philadelphia officials said. Both victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Authorities have not released the identities of the two victims.

Firefighters responded to a residence in the 8200 block of Williams Avenue around 4 a.m. Crews located a fire in the kitchen. Multiple people were inside the house.

Emergency crews pulled two women from the burning building. Both victims were rushed to Einstein Medical Center. Staff pronounced both women dead at the hospital.

Authorities have not released details regarding the circumstances of the deaths. It is not yet known what sparked the blaze.

Around 5 a.m., officers responded to the 7900 block of Oxford Avenue. Police received reports of an armed man at that location. The scene was roughly an hour later.

A man with a gun refused to leave a Route 18 SEPTA bus, police said. Authorities said this suspect could be connected to the Williams Avenue double homicide. No other passengers were aboard the bus.

Police asked the public to avoid the area. Investigations into fatal fires typically involve both fire marshals and homicide detectives. Officials gather evidence from the scene to determine the causes of death and the source of the fire.

This remains an active case in Philadelphia. Officials have not announced any formal charges.