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Unidentified Body Found in Burned Vehicle Near Halfpenny Bay

July 30, 2007 — The burned body of an unidentified person was found in the charred remains of a vehicle on St. Croix, and police are classifying the incident as a suspected homicide.
The body was burned beyond recognition, police spokeswoman Monyka Johnigan said Monday. The incident occurred late Saturday night and was reported to police by a citizen at approximately 8 a.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the V.I. Police Department.
The vehicle, a white or light-colored 1992 or 1993 Suzuki Esteem, was first noticed by a person walking a dog near Many Paws road in the Estate Longford area, which is close to Halfpenny Bay. The vehicle was still burning but not on fire, according to the release. Police and fire were called to the scene and found a body burned beyond recognition in the back seat of the vehicle.
The vehicle is registered to Francis Augustus of Estate Castle Coakley, police said. The incident appears to be a homicide, although the official cause of death has not been determined, police said.
The gender of the body could not be initially determined because of the extent of the burns, Johnigan said. She said police hope the medical examiner will be able to determine the cause of death and identify the victim. As of press time, police have been unable to locate the owner of the vehicle, Johnigan said.
Police are seeking the public's assistance in this latest incident. They ask that anyone who knows the vehicle's owner or saw the fire call 778-4950 or dial 911. Callers can remain anonymous.
This is the seventh homicide on St. Croix and the 22nd in the territory this year.
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