Two people were found dead inside a burned car. Investigators say they found skeletal remains inside an SUV Monday. The vehicle was in a remote location, near the Lynches River, in Lee County.
Monday afternoon a utility worker found the SUV, burning. Firefighters put out the blaze then discovered something grim, a man's skeleton in the backseat. And that's not all.
"They looked even further and they discovered another body," said Lee County Major Daniel Simon.
Simon says they don't know what they're dealing with yet but residents are uneasy, because they think this might be Lee County's second and third murders within a week.
Lindsay Lovely was shot and killed just last week, inside his mother's home.
"We've had people pretty much in an uproar," said Major Simon. "We're trying to knock down all fears; people don't have to live in fear."
Investigators say the people were so badly burned, they're now using DNA and dental records to identify the bodies.Investigators are also following leads that may help them identify the couple.
"We received tips that it may be a couple from a nearby county," said Major Simon.
Florence County, to be exact. Major Simon says a man who thinks the bodies may be his parents has contacted deputies.
"We are weighing all options of it," said Major Simon. "We are not ruling out murder-suicide, or just homicide. We are taking our time with the investigation."
Investigators used a partial VIN number to pinpoint the vehicle as a Chevrolet. They have not determined the exact model yet. The State Law Enforcement Division is helping with the investigation.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH