SAN ANTONIO – The Bexar County Medical Examiner's office has released the name of the man found burned to death on the city's East Side.
William Perez, 31, was found Thursday night after first responders attended to what was at first believed to be a grass fire in the 400 block of Yucca Street.
Investigators are now hoping a gas can found at the scene and the description of a black Chevy Tahoe can help them find the person responsible.
Police said there was a strong odor of gasoline near the body and believe the Tahoe witnesses describe might have been the getaway car.
The investigation is ongoing.
(Original Story)
The San Antonio Fire Department was called out to a grass fire on the city’s East Side Thursday evening and when they arrived they found a man's body.
911 dispatch received several calls about a fire in the 400 block of Yucca Street.
Fire crews quickly discovered a man’s body on fire. Officials on the scene said they believe the victim was in his 20s. The cause of death has yet to be determined, though they believe an accelerant was used to start the fire.
San Antonio police Sgt. Dave Berrigan said the man did have several distinguishing tattoos on his body, and based on an initial investigation believe the man was alive when he was set on fire.
“It’s heinous, it is just heinous how someone could do that to a live human being,” Berrigan said.
Berrigan also said one witness did give a description of a suspect vehicle and police believe they have found the black Tahoe involved.
Both SAPD homicide and SAFD arson units are investigating.