DAYTON, Texas — Deputies in Liberty County are investigating after two bodies were found in a burning vehicle near Dayton early Wednesday morning.
The Liberty County Sheriff's Office was notified that a vehicle was on fire under the FM 1409 bridge just south of Dayton at about 2:30 a.m. according to a news release from the sheriff's office.
When deputies arrived they found two bodies inside the vehicle the release said. One body was found in the back seat of the vehicle, and the other was found in the trunk.
Investigators suspect foul play, according to the release.
Investigators are currently unable to determine if the bodies were men or women and have not been able to identify them yet due to the extreme heat of the fire the release said.
Liberty County Precinct Four Justice of the Peace Larry Wilburn has ordered autopsies on both victims.
Investigators will be at the scene most of the day according to the release.
The bridge was shut down temporarily so that TxDOT could inspect the integrity of the bridge following the fire.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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From a Liberty County Sheriff's Office news release...
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office was notified at approximately 2:30am this morning of a burning vehicle underneath the FM 1409 bridge just south of the City of Dayton. When Deputies arrived two bodies were found to be inside the car and FM 1409 was temporarily closed down until TxDot could check the structural integrity of the bridge.
According to Sheriff’s Captain Billy Knox, due to the extreme heat of the fire it is impossible at this early stage of the investigation to determine whether the victims are male or female nor can any identity be confirmed at this time. Investigators are expected to be on the scene most of the day.
Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Judge Larry Wilburn arrived on the scene and ordered an autopsy of both victims. The investigation is on-going and further information will be forthcoming as it is available.
Sheriff’s Capt. Billy Knox has confirmed that one body was found in the back seat of the vehicle and the second body was found in the trunk. Obviously foul play is suspected at this time.