Update 7 p.m.: A body found in the car fire Tuesday morning at Short Beach in Nissequogue was so extensively damaged that authorities could not even identify the sex, police said.
Det. Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick of the Suffolk County Police Homicide Department said during a press conference Tuesday afternoon that it was too early in the investigation to determine the cause of the fire or identify the victim and police are hoping to have more information of the victim’s identity Wednesday.
Fitzpatrick said the car was fully engulfed in flames when the Nissequogue Fire Department arrived on the scene after they received a 911 call at 11:54 a.m. The detective said investigators would use dental records as well as trace the license plate of the car to help determine the victim.
Homicide and arson investigators are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Police are asking that anyone with information concerning the investigation contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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3:11 p.m.: A dead body was discovered in a car fire at Short Beach in Nissequogue on Tuesday morning, according to Suffolk County Police.
Police said the call of a car fire was received at 11:55 a.m. When responders extinguished the fire, a body was found in the car. No information on the vehicle or person inside has been released.
Police said an investigation is underway.
Short Beach is operated by the Town of Smithtown, though no workers manage the gates during the off-season.
Check back in frequently with Patch for updates.
