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Motive behind killing of man found in burning car still a mystery

Police continue to investigate a bizarre murder in Rankin.

A man's body was found in a burning sedan Tuesday with a bullet wound to the head. And at the center of the case is a lost dog.

Channel 11 checked and there are still no suspects named in this homicide.

"We've had a few reports of drive-by shootings a couple blocks down," said neighbor John Stanley, just one person who told Channel 11 they don't feel safe after what took place on their Rankin street in broad daylight this week.

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Jeffrey Nash, 21, of East Liberty was found shot in the head and left to die while sitting inside a car parked in plain view. The interior of the car was then set on fire to cover up the crime.

"That's what I don't understand. If he was shot, why would they set it on fire?" Stanley said.

Investigators told Channel 11 they don't believe Nash was murdered over drugs but instead believe his killing is connected to a lost dog he found earlier in the day and had made arrangements to return to its owner.

The dog was not found at the crime scene, but police tell Channel 11 a gun was found inside the car and a single bullet casing outside on the ground.

Neighbors up and down Fleet Street told police they didn't see anything, as they watched firefighters douse the car and then Allegheny County homicide detectives go over the victim's car and crime scene.

People who live in lower Rankin said the murder is as unsettling as it is sad.

"There's gotta be more to it, there's gotta be some reason here," Stanley said.

Allegheny County Police said anyone with information can call their tip line or post on their social media page and remain anonymous.

They are also asking the owner of the lost dog to come forward.

 

Cox Media Group

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