An adult was found dead inside a burned car early Wednesday morning in a dirt lot near Higley and Williams Field roads in Gilbert, after firefighters extinguished the blaze and discovered the body inside. Gilbert police and firefighters were called to the car fire just before 12:30 a.m. on September 23, and the victim has not yet been identified.
Police said preliminary information had not revealed suspicious circumstances, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. The parking lot was closed for hours because of the investigation.
The Gilbert Police Department also posted a statement on social media confirming an active death investigation at the scene while assuring nearby residents that no immediate threat to the community had been identified, per a post on Facebook. Gilbert police say preliminary information has not revealed suspicious circumstances tied to the case, though the investigation remains open.
What Happens Next in the Investigation
Arizona law addresses reportable deaths, as described by Navajo County.
Investigators have not said whether the fire was accidental or intentionally set. If fire marshals eventually determine the blaze was set deliberately, Arizona law classifies arson of property according to its value, with offenses ranging from a misdemeanor to a Class 4 felony, per statutes cited by Justia.
A Rare Scene for One of Arizona's Safest Suburbs
The incident occurred in Gilbert. A WalletHub study ranked the town as the safest city in Arizona and 29th overall among 182 major U.S. cities evaluated for home, community, and financial safety, as reported by KTAR.com.
For now, Gilbert police say the investigation into the death is ongoing, and the identity of the person found inside the car has not been released.
