PORTSMOUTH, Va. — News 3 is following through on the investigation into a body found in a burning dumpster in Portsmouth about a week ago.
Court records obtained by News 3 reveal the person had several gunshot wounds. According to the records, the body had gunshot wounds to the head, back and thigh. An autopsy also revealed bullet fragments in the person's foot.
The records also reveal that police are investigating the death as a second-degree murder case.
Watch previous coverage: Dumpster fire in Portsmouth leads to discovery of dead body; police open homicide investigation
The body was discovered on November 18 while a dumpster fire was being put out on Pepperwood Court, according to Portsmouth police. The dumpster was on Bethel Worship Center Church's property, the pastor of the church confirmed to News 3.
After calls to 911 alerted police to a fire inside a dumpster, firefighters arrived and put the flames out. They discovered a severely burned body inside and police found bullet casings near the dumpster.
Video from a nearby residence showed two unidentified people walking near the scene, according to police.
Investigators have narrowed down digital identification for two devices found around the time and location of the shooting. That’s why they filed a search warrant for records from Google.
They’re hoping information from any texts, phone calls, social media activity or Google searches could help them narrow down anyone connected to this crime.
Police are still working to identify the person killed and inform their family.
