HOUSTON — Police are investigating the death of a man found hanging and burned beneath the North Loop at Kirkpatrick late Thursday night.
Authorities say firefighters initially responded to a report of a brush fire from Union Pacific around 10 p.m. When the flames were extinguished, responders made a grim discovery — the body of a man, partially burned, hanging from the underside of the freeway.
Cause of Death Still Unknown
Investigators have not yet determined whether the man died from the hanging or the fire. However, an officer at the scene told KHOU 11 it appeared unlikely the death was a suicide. The victim is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, pending identification and autopsy results.
NAACP Leader Calls for Answers
Bishop James Dixon, president of the Houston NAACP chapter, condemned the incident as deeply troubling.
“Whether the person ethnically is Hispanic or African-American or Italian or Japanese… it is a hate crime,” Dixon said. “You have to hate to hang someone from a rope.”
Public Urged to Help
No witnesses have come forward, and police have not identified a motive. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS as the investigation continues.
For the latest on this disturbing case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.