“We are investigating a murder,” said Capt. David Hall of the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office. “That Sunday vehicle fire is being investigated as a homicide and arson.”

The change in the investigation by the office of Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office came as a result of an autopsy.

Donini said detectives received confirmation from the Montgomery County Forensic Center Tuesday that the person, whose badly burned body was found in a burnt vehicle Sunday night, had died as a result of a homicide.

Hall said further information on the results of the autopsy will not be released.

“The forensic examiner in Montgomery County has not made a positive identification,” said Scioto County Chief Deputy Coroner Dr. Wayne Wheeler. “There were no dental records, so I haven’t released any identification on it because it is not confirmed at this point. We really don’t know right now, and until I’ve got a positive identification I’ve got a coroner’s hold on it.”

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the case as an arson.

According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was reported at about 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, on Millers Run\Back Run Road, in Lucasville. The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office reported that Valley Township Fire Department responded to the call.

Reports say the body was found inside the vehicle, described only as a newer-model Chevrolet pickup truck.

“If anybody may have seen the vehicle on Miller’s Run\Back Run Road before the fire it would be very helpful,” Hall said. “If anyone saw anything suspicious on Miller’s Run\Back Run, we would like for them to call Detective Paul Blaine at (740) 354-7566.”

Anyone with information may also call Shane Cartmill, Public Information Officer at the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office at (614) 752-7179.

All calls will be kept confidential.

Frank Lewis may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.