RSO: Body found in burning vehicle over the weekend is a homicide victim
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is now investigating the death of a person whose body was found in a burning vehicle over the weekend as a homicide.
The incident was first reported at approximately 1:44 am on Saturday when authorities responded to a vehicle fire call in the area of Avenue 57 and Pierce Street.
The body was found after firefighters extinguished the flames, according to the Sheriff's Department. Deputies established a crime scene and investigators from the Central Homicide Unit were called to conduct a suspicious death investigation.
On Monday, July 20, the Coroner's office found evidence of "homicidal violence" during the post mortem examination.
The case in now officially being investigated as a homicide.
The victim has not been identified at this time, but the Sheriff's Department confirmed he was a male.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Mendoza at (951) 955-2777.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-7867.
You can submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Crime Tips online form.
This is the second death investigation in the past few days in the community of Thermal. Tuesday morning, a body was found near the intersection of Avenue 78 and Fillmore Street. Deputies remain at the scene conducted their investigation.
