NEWS 25 - WEHT: Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro-Body Found In Burnt Truck

Body Found In Burnt Truck

story by: Ian Connor

WHITE CO., IL - Authorities are trying to identify a body found in a burned out truck in White County, IL.

White County Sheriff Doug Maier said the body was found Sunday morning on CR 1000E, just north of Burrell Park.  The Sheriff said the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived, and when the fire was put out they made the grisly discovery.

Maier said the body was removed and taken to the White County Morgue, where an autopsy was performed Sunday afternoon.  He said the autopsy did not reveal the identity of the body, and the White County coroner will try to use dental records to ID the victim.

The Sheriff said the burned truck belonged to Nicholas Shelton of Enfield, IL.  He said Shelton had been camping in Burrell Park with his girlfriend, Kelly Jo Cain, and her small child.  The Sheriff said the child was found sleeping at the campsite, and Shelton told authorities his girlfriend had left the site earlier in the morning.

The State Fire Marshal said the truck fire likely started in the engine compartment.

The White County Sheriff's Office said they believe the death was accidental, but will continue to investigate.