ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Investigators say dental records may not be sufficient to identify charred human remains found in a burning SUV on Friday.
Officials said they may have to use DNA comparison to identify the remains, and that could take weeks or longer.
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The SUV was found burning on a dirt road in the area of the 9200 block of County Road 13 South, near Cowpen Branch Road, just before 5 a.m. Friday.
Due to the suspicious circumstances of the vehicles location, fire condition and other factors discovered at the time, the area surrounding the vehicle was processed as a crime scene, investigators said. They towed the vehicle to a processing facility at the Sheriff's Office, where it was opened for further investigation, away from inclement weather.
The SUV, which was completely burned, was registered out of the county, and the Sheriff's Office said it is working with another jurisdiction.
While examining the trunk area of the vehicle, remains were located and the Medical Examiner's Office confirmed they were human, deputies said.
Investigators said foul play is suspected.
Anyone who may have seen any activity in the area of Cowpen Branch Road early Friday morning is asked to call the Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS.