The burned human remains found in a vehicle fire outside of Turlock is now officially being investigated as a homicide after an autopsy revealed the victim had sustained other injuries, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, which is investigating the murder.

The victim has been identified as Juan Carlos Ledesma-Infante, 39, of Stockton.

Around 7:30 p.m. Sunday firefighters were dispatched to the 5300 block of Griffin Road outside of Turlock for a vehicle fire. The area is located between Taylor and Keyes roads.

After extinguishing the fire the firefighters discovered a body in the back seat of the vehicle and requested the sheriff’s department.

Preliminary findings from the autopsy indicate the victim had suffered additional injuries unrelated to the fire and was therefore declared a homicide, according to the sheriff’s department. No other information was provided as to the type of injuries.

No suspect information has been released.

The sheriff’s department is requesting that anyone with information about the case should contact Detective Rodriguez at 525-7093. 

Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or text them to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message and be eligible for a cash reward.