Family hopes bodies found in burnt car in St. Augustine aren't loved one

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family members are hoping two bodies found inside a burnt car in St. Augustine are not their loved one.

Family told Action News Jax they got a call from police on Wednesday. Officers said a charred Dodge Journey belonged to their loved one, 26-year-old Steffon Larry.

Police have not yet identified the two people found dead inside and family members are hoping Larry was not in the car.

Family has not been able to get in touch with him and they hoping someone can help them find answers.

"We're asking and pleading, if anyone knows something, please, please let us know," they said.

The St. Augustine Police Department got a call about the burning car on on Spring Street near Fred Waters Way just before 1 a.m.

Once firefighters put out the flames, officers found two bodies inside, SAPD said.

It is not known how the two died.

Neighbors who live near Spring Street and Fred Waters Way tell Action News they woke up to a loud bang around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

"My fiancé was on the couch and I said 'Can you go out there and make sure everything's OK?'" Inga Degregori said. "Around 1:06, there was another big bang and I guess it was because of the fire. Maybe the gas or something popping, I don't know."

Degregori's fiancé shot cellphone video of a massive fire at the end of their street.

She said firefighters worked for quite some time to put it out.

Police flooded the neighborhood looking for evidence when the fire turned into a crime scene with the discovery of the bodies.

A spokesperson with the SAPD said the medical examiner is working to identify those the bodies, which were burnt beyond recognition.

"There are no words. That is just absolutely devastating. I just hope the victims weren't alive during the actual fire," Degregori said.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and the State Fire Marshal's Office are also investigating the incident.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and receive a possible reward.

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Cox Media Group