By Journal staff

NEGAUNEE — Detectives from the Michigan State Police post in Negaunee Township have positively identified the remains of a victim of a July 14 fatal house fire in Rock River Township as Joseph Ray Roop, 61, of Eben Junction.

Police said identification was made by DNA. The cause of the structure fire was undetermined, but foul play is not suspected.

The house fire took place at N5113 ET Road. Troopers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1 a.m. July 14 after firefighters with the Rock River Township Fire Department discovered human remains inside the residence.

The structure was completely destroyed as a result of the fire.