Coroner: Charred body in burning car is homicide victim of gunshot wounds
The charred body pulled from a burning car on Monday is a homicide, the Muscogee County Coroner’s Office said Friday.
The man who remains unidentified died of two gunshot wounds, one to the head and a second to his hip, Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan said. Preliminary autopsy reports were released Friday afternoon from the crime lab in Decatur.
Bryan said authorities will now turn their efforts to identify the body. Officials will look at DNA for a match in data bases and other sources. Anyone who has a loved one and the person hasn’t been seen should contact police.
There is no exact age on the victim but Bryan said he is believed to be in his teens to his 30s.
After the body was pulled from the burning trunk of a 2006 Pontiac G6 at Harbison Drive and Head Street about 5:37 a.m. Monday, Bryan said the body was charred beyond recognition with no facial features and no fingers left .
Anyone who has information about the incident or a missing love one should call Lance Deaton at 706-225-4267 or 706-653-3400. You may also email him at lancedeaton@columbusga.org.
The death marks the 14th homicide in Columbus in 2017 and the 13th investigated by Columbus police. It comes after 34-year-old Brandon Scott was killed early Friday in a Rigdon Road shooting.
Ben Wright: 706-571-8576, @bfwright87
This story was originally published July 14, 2017 at 6:53 PM with the headline "Coroner: Charred body in burning car is homicide victim of gunshot wounds."