Body shot, burned in Oxford Circle car fire identified as homicide investigation continues: police
PHILADELPHIA - Authorities in Philadelphia are investigating after a body with multiple gunshot wounds was found in the back seat of a burning car early Tuesday morning.
According to officials, police responded to a car fire in the area of Sylvester and Howell Streets in the Oxford Circle section of the city just before 1 a.m.
Police say officers and medics arrived on scene to find a Honda CRV fully engulfed in flames.
Once the fire department put out the flames, authorities say they realized there was a body in the back seat.
The individual in the back seat was pronounced dead shortly after, according to Chief Inspector Scott Small, who says the body was burned beyond recognition.
Police told FOX 29's Kelly Rule that they believe the victim was a 27-year-old man, and say he had multiple gunshot wounds.
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Police later identified the person as Luis Rodriguez of the Port Richmond section of the city.
Authorities say the inside of the vehicle was also completely burned and there is damage to the vehicle's exterior.
According to police, the car was parked there just before 1 a.m. and two people got out before the vehicle went up in flames.
A homicide investigation is underway.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.