Morvant man may have been beaten, set on fire

As police try to confirm the identity of a burnt body found in Morvant over the weekend, one man believes it is that of his brother, who he suspects was murdered over a recent robbery.

The body was found in a part of Morvant known as Romain Lands on Saturday night.

Investigators said the body was burnt beyond recognition and are awaiting the results of a DNA test to confirm the identity.

Newsday spoke to Ronald Sanchez at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Monday. He said although there is as yet no official confirmation, he believes the body is that of his brother Alan Sanchez.

Sanchez said his brother lived in the area where the body was found.

He also said according to information from residents, his brother died trying to get back belongings from a recent robbery.

"He was trying to get his cellphone and some other things that was stolen from his house recently, and whoever did the robbery beat him and set him on fire. That was the word on the ground.

"He was probably beaten. I don't know I don't want to speculate, but that's all indication on the ground.

"We still waiting for confirmation on the identity, but if what they are saying is true, then this is just a gruesome act these people did."

Sanchez said he did not live in the same house as his brother but neighbours told him his brother was in trouble.

Investigators confirmed Sanchez was robbed on Friday night and said some of his belongings were found near the burnt body.