SAFD: Body found in burned car

Discovery made near Wheatley Heights Sports Complex

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio firefighters discovered a body inside a burning SUV along a trail near the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex Thursday morning.

A passerby called to report smoke around 7:30 a.m., and by the time firefighters made it 3/4 of a mile down a trail for pedestrians and bicyclists, they found a Ford SUV engulfed in flames.

Once the fire was out, they discovered a body in the backseat.

"There shouldn't have been a car there. This is specifically for bikes and people who are running and walking in the park, but there may be some areas around here where they could have gained access," said San Antonio Police Officer Doug Greene.

Police have not determined whether the death was a suicide or a homicide, or the manner of death.

"We haven't been able to identify who this person is. The body is badly burned to the point of (recognition, so) you can't really tell if it's a female or a male," said Greene.

The SUV was also burned to the point that police could not see the license plate.

"We have our CSI unit that is looking at possible points of entry and then they're analyzing the tire tracks and so forth, so that's what the crime scene unit (does) best. So they're collecting all that evidence," Greene said.

Investigators are asking anyone who might have information to call the homicide unit at 210-207-7635.