Posted: December 13, 2004 at 12:19 p.m.
SAN JOSE (BCN) -- Authorities have been unable to identify a man found burning on a San Jose sidewalk Sunday morning, and police are hoping an autopsy scheduled for Monday can shed light on the city's 25th homicide of the year.
Officer Gina Tepoorten said firefighters responded at 6:16 a.m. to reports of burning trash on Monroe Street and Tisch Way, only to realize that it was a body underneath the tall flames.
The victim, who is believed to be in his 20s or 30s, was so badly burned that investigators were unable to obtain his fingerprints or any form of identification.
Foul play was initially suspected and it appears the man had been stabbed multiple times before being set on fire, according to Tepoorten.
Police immediately canvassed the surrounding area, which is near Frank Santana Park, but could not locate any witnesses.
A sketch of the victim has been drafted and he is described as an African-American or Hispanic male wearing a sweatshirt and blue corduroy pants.
Tepoorten said he had earrings in both ears.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Detective Sean Pritchard or Sgt. Pete Ramirez at (408) 277-5283. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (408) 947-STOP.
(Copyright 2004, Bay City News. All rights reserved.)