Eastpointe

Body found in burning vehicle

By Sara Kandel
C & G Staff Writer

Police are investigating a possible homicide after the remains of a body were discovered inside a burning vehicle early Saturday morning, July 14.

An autopsy has been completed, but a cause of death is still unknown.

“At this point we don’t know what happened to the individual,” said Eastpointe City Manager Steve Duchane.

“Anything could have happened. As strange as it sounds, he may have had a heart attack or stroke.”

“I want it to be natural causes so we don’t have that kind of homicide, but obviously something is off.”

Police say it’s too early to call it a murder but they are investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the black male victim found in the front seat of the vehicle.

“We’re not able to call it a murder just yet,” Lt. Dave Ernatt said. “All we can say at this time is a car burned with a subject in it, and we’re investigating.”

The car was found in the driveway of a vacant home in the 15600 block of Crescentwood just before 5 a.m. Saturday morning.

“The car was found on the driveway approach of a vacant home as if the victim was turning around,” Ernatt said.

The male victim is believed to be the boyfriend of the woman the vehicle is registered to, but his identity has yet to be confirmed. Investigators did not comment on whether the vehicle owner was present at the scene.

“We brought in outside expertise from the Fire Department and the Police Department to find out what the cause of the fire is, which could range from a defective car to foul play,” Duchane said.

Initial reports have not indicated there was any use of accelerants.

“Burned-out vehicles are tough ones because you lose a lot of evidence,” Duchane added. “You kind of work your way through, very painstaking stuff.”

The Eastsider will continue to follow this story as it develops.

 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Sara Kandel at skandel@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1030.