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Body Found 'Burned Beyond Recognition' In Van On Detroit's East Side [VIDEO]

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit police are investigating a brutal crime after discovering a body inside of a scorched van on the city's east side.

Fire crews responded to the scene on Medbury Street, in a neighborhood near I-94 and Mt. Elliott, around 6 a.m. Friday and found the van ablaze. After the flames were extinguished, crews realized a body was inside the van -- which was located in a field between sets of trees on both sides.

body in van
(credit: Vickie Thomas/WWJ Newsradio 950)

Police say the body found inside the van is burned beyond recognition.

At this point, investigators say they have no clue as to who the victim is or how they might have died.

Homicide and arson investigators spent hours at the scene collecting evidence before the body was removed and the van was towed away.

Theresa Price, who lives across the street from where the van was found, told WWJ City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas that she called police after a loud "boom" woke up her family overnight.

"They got here pretty quickly," she said. "I was surprised. I just heard a loud boom. I was sleeping until my father shook me up and told me to call 911."

An investigation is ongoing.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.

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