4 bodies found inside burned car in Channelview

Four burned bodies were found inside a car along Market Street in Channelview on Friday. Four burned bodies were found inside a car along Market Street in Channelview on Friday. Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Chronicle Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 4 bodies found inside burned car in Channelview 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A car was set ablaze on a dirt road in east Harris County early Friday to destroy evidence from the four bodies discovered inside the vehicle, authorities said.

"They weren't very successful," said Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

A fire was reported about 10:15 a.m. Friday coming from a car that appeared to have been dumped on a dirt road near the 15300 block of Market Street in Channelview. George Colunga said he saw the smoke and flames when he showed up for work at Texas Industrial Box Maintenance located across the street.

"But I don't know what happened. I went inside to work," Colunga said.

Channelview firefighters quickly doused the flames because the fire was confined primarily to the front section of the small, four door Kia sedan. They opened the trunk and found two bodies - a man and a woman.

"They immediately stopped what they were doing and called the sheriff's office," Gilliland said.

Sheriff's office homicide detectives responded. The car appeared to have become stuck on the muddy road. Deputies called for a tow truck to pull it about 20 yards onto Market Street.

"We couldn't do the forensic work - it was very muddy and wet," Gilliland said.

The investigators spotted two more bodies - another man and woman - slumped over in the back seat. They weren't seen at first because the roof lining apparently became detached in the fire and was covering the bodies, deputies said.

"There was also just so much soot and smoke inside the car," Gilliland said.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. Deputies said the bodies did not appear to have any burn marks.

"It's going to make it a lot easier to identify them," Gilliland said.

The car's license plates were removed but deputies said they located the vehicle identification number or VIN.

"We're following up on who the car is registered to," Gilliland said.

While the investigation was continuing on the road that had been blocked off in both directions by sheriff's deputies, two men showed up and strode past the crime scene tape. They spoke with deputies at the scene then quickly left and refused any comment, even throwing up their hands to prevent themselves being photographed.

Deputies said they were questioning anyone who might have been in the area at the time. Also, they will be looking to see if any security cameras might provide some clues into what happened.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Reporter Brooke A. Lewis contributed to this report.