Fire crews responding to a car fire Saturday night on a bike path in Philadelphia’s Fox Chase found a body inside the trunk.
Police said car had been doused with an accelerant, probably gasoline, making it “clearly an intentional act,” WTFX reported.
The man in the trunk had been shot once in the head, and his feet and arms were bound.
“He was likely brought here to this location from some other location bound, kidnaped and then likely shot on location here just before the vehicle was doused with gasoline and set ablaze,” said Police Inspector D F Pace.
Investigators described the victim as a young adult, possibly late teens or early 20s, with distinctive tattoos. He was badly burned, however, and the medical examiner will provide an identification.
Police said that several people were known to be in the area near Pennypack Creek around the time of the fire, but police say poor lighting and lack of cameras will prevent identification.
Investigators said the car was registered to someone living in Northeast Philadelphia and had not been reported stolen. Police say they have not yet located the owner, however.
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