UPDATE: No foul play suspected after body found in burning vehicle

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Authorities are reporting no foul play was involved in the vehicle fire where human remains were found.

At approximately 6:43 a.m. Sunday, April 2, the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a vehicle burning in a field near County Road 725. Upon arrival, authorities found a burnt truck with charred human remains inside.

The SEMO Major Case Squad was activated and conducted numerous interviews. Investigators with the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s office processed the scene.

New Madrid County Chief Deputy Chris Hensley said the department’s initial investigation has determined the incident didn’t involve foul play. He said before a formal report is made and the name of the deceased is released the department is waiting on results from the autopsy which was conducted Monday as well as the return of search warrants.

Assisting the Sheriff’s Department in the investigation were members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control, New Madrid County Coroner’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Sikeston Department of Public Safety, New Madrid City Police Department and Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Sheriff’s Department also offered its thanks to the community for their cooperation and assistance with the investigation.