Human remains found inside burning car at neighborhood park

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (WJLA) — An investigation is underway after human remains were found inside a burning vehicle at Whitfield Chapel Park in Prince George’s County on Thursday night.

Maryland-National Capital Park Police said someone passing the park a little before 10:30 p.m. saw flames. The Prince George’s County Fire Department said it put out the fire. Firefighters then found human remains inside the burned vehicle, according to the department.

Investigation

Prince George’s County police were leading the investigation. Homicide detectives were working with fire investigators on the case.

It remained unclear whether the death was a homicide or a suicide. Police have not released the name or gender of the victim.

Residents react

Maya Wilson, an Upper Marlboro resident, said she was walking in the park Friday with another woman.

“That is crazy that that happened one hundred feet away from us right now,” Wilson said.

Wilson and the other woman said it is nerve-wracking not knowing what led to the incident.

Janiya Prescott, a nearby resident, said she has been coming to the park since she was a child.

“I’ve been here since I was a kid, so it’s like, do I want to come here again?” Prescott said.

Nearby residents described the community and the park as normally quiet.

“A lot of people come here; they play kickball, they play baseball,” Prescott said.

“It’s always been pleasant out here. No problems at all,” said Jerry Blue, a nearby resident.