Introduction
A body was discovered inside a burned-out vehicle at the Memphis Police Department (MPD) impound lot, leading to an ongoing investigation by the authorities.
Victim Information
The victim is believed to be a 20-year-old missing man, Jude Areas Web, whose family reported him missing on the same day the car was found. Friends and family had issued urgent pleas to find him.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
The burning car was found on Saturday. Crews extinguished the flames, and the car was subsequently towed to the MPD impound lot. Upon further inspection, an unidentified body was discovered inside the vehicle.
Past Incident and Policy Changes
This incident is not the first of its kind at the MPD impound lot. Over six years ago, the body of a shooting victim, Bardamiano Perez Hernandez, was found in the back of a van at the lot after being there for nearly seven weeks.
The victim was discovered by a friend who came to retrieve the van. Following this incident, former Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings called for major policy changes, including the use of cadaver dogs for inspections, longer vehicle holds, and enhanced crime scene training for officers to ensure thorough checks of all vehicles.
Legal Actions and Disciplinary Measures
In the aftermath of the Hernandez case, the victim’s family hired an attorney and filed a $300,000 lawsuit against the city, claiming Hernandez could have survived if found earlier. The medical examiner’s testimony supported the possibility of survival with immediate care. As a result, nine people were disciplined, and eight officers were suspended.
Current Investigation
Horn Lake Police have indicated that DNA testing will be conducted to confirm the identity of the body as Jude Areas Web. The Memphis Police have not disclosed how long the body was in the car at the impound lot. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities searching for more answers.
Conclusion
The discovery of a body in a burned vehicle at the MPD impound lot has prompted a thorough investigation, with potential policy implications for the handling and inspection of impounded vehicles. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
