Human Remains Found In Burned Out Car Behind Vacant Elementary School; 2 Questioned
WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) - Investigators responding to a car fire at a vacant school in Oakland County made a shocking discovery — human remains. Two "persons of interest" were questioned, and one remains in custody.
The situation unfolded early Friday morning on the property of Pine Lake Elementary on Long Lake Road, between Orchard Lake and Middlebelt roads in West Bloomfield.
The car was found in flames behind the school, near the playground. Firefighters quickly put the fire out, then discovered the remains of a woman inside the vehicle.
Police say that they were able to identify the woman based on her features and the car. Police say they know identity of victim but are working to notify next of kin.
After the completion of an autopsy, it was found that the woman died from a gunshot wound to her stomach.
Investigators said the body found is not believed to be that of Danielle Stislicki, a Farmington Hills woman who vanished after leaving work one week ago.
"We're obviously aware of their recent that they're still currently investigating, but at this time we do not believe that there is any connection," Police Chief Michael Patton told WWJ's Mike Campbell.
At this point, investigators are working on multiple theories. The two persons of interests were interviewed by West Bloomfield detectives late in the morning, but one has since been released.
The man in custody is a 19-year-old from Detroit with an outstanding warrant. The other man -- and 18-year-old -- was released due to lack of evidence.
Patton said that one or both of the men could still be suspects in the case. The men were stopped for hanging around Orchard Lake at around 1:30 a.m., about the same time that the car was found.
"We are following up on some leads," said Patton. "There's some individuals in the area that we had spoke to prior to this call coming out, and so we're trying to reestablish contact with them to see if they're somehow related or if they know or saw something."
The Oakland County dive team was searching for evidence near the water at the Orchard Lake DNR site.
The Oakland County Sheriff's forensic team is searching two houses nearby on Shorecrest Drive in connection with the case. Officers escorted one person from one of the homes, although their possible involvement in the case isn't clear.
"We're talking to a number of people," said Patton. "They entered the premises here from the west side of the property, they didn't come in from the normal off-the-street location. So, we're checking over there to see what may have gone over there, checking with the neighbors to see if anything else is going on over there, too."
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 248-975-9200.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.
