Human remains found in burning car in Rusk County

Published 4:50 pm Monday, September 2, 2024

From Staff Reports

RUSK COUNTY — An investigation is underway after human remains were found inside a burning car early Sunday, Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez said.

Officers and firefighters were called to the area of County Roads 4132 and 4135 in reference to a vehicle fire on Sunday, Valdez said. Once the fire was extinguished, a closer examination of the four-door sedan, human remains were located.

“Our investigators were called to the scene and began working with fire marshal’s office,” Valdez said. “Assistance was requested from State Fire Marshal’s office, Texas Rangers and East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and they assisted with the crime scene.”

Valdez said the remains were taken to Dallas for identification and that they are working to follow up on leads in the case.

The sheriff’s office is asking that anyone living in the area of this vehicle fire that has video surveillance to call the office at (903) 657-3581 if their system captured any footage of the vehicle or vehicles involved in this case.

“I also would ask if anyone has information of this incident to call our criminal investigation unit as well. This is an active criminal investigation and foul play is suspected,” Valdez said. “We have been working nonstop since the call was reported and will have more information to report soon, but until then, this is the only information that will be released.”