Authorities Working to Confirm Identity of Body Found in Burning Car

An autopsy has determined that a body found Friday night inside a burning sport utility vehicle east of Livermore is that of a male, but identification won't be finalized until DNA tests are completed, a sheriff's spokesman said today.

However, authorities think they have a pretty good idea of whose body it is based on evidence in and around the burned GMC Suburban, Alameda County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. J.D. Nelson said.

Nelson said the man's death was considered suspicious, and investigators haven't yet determined whether it could be due to foul play, suicide or other factors.

The California Highway Patrol and Tracy Fire Department responded to a report of a burning vehicle on Grant Line Road around 10:15 p.m. Friday, according to the sheriff's office.

Authorities arrived to find a Suburban fully engulfed in flames, Nelson said.

After extinguishing the fire, authorities found the body inside the car.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the sheriff's crime tip hotline at 510-667-3622.

--Bay City News Service