Body discovered in trunk of smoldering car

Commander Chuck Mulligan tells Historic City News that shortly before 5:00 a.m. this morning, when a passerby spotted a burned vehicle that was still smoldering on a dirt road near Cowpen Branch Road, he had no idea what deputies would discover when they arrived to examine the scene.

Due to the suspicious circumstances of the vehicles location, near the residential area of Flagler Estates in the southwestern part of the county, the fire condition and other apparent factors, the area surrounding the vehicle was processed as a crime scene and the vehicle was towed to the Sheriff’s Office evidence processing facility.

Once away from the inclement weather, the vehicle and its trunk compartment were opened for further investigation — revealing what 23rd District Medical Examiner, Dr. Predrag Bulic, has determined to be human remains.

The Fire Marshal joins in the investigation with sheriff’s detectives, and the Medical Examiner, who are each continuing their investigation of this discovery as a homicide involving foul play.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is asked to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 824-8304. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).