Burned body of woman found in Highbridge Park in Washington Heights; police investigating

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) — An active police investigation is underway after a burned body was discovered inside a park in Washington Heights on Wednesday.

NewsCopter 7 was over a wooded section of Highbridge Park, where police and FDNY personnel responded to reports of a small brush fire just after 4:30 p.m.

Once the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that it was a body of an adult woman that was on fire. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say it’s unclear if there were visible signs of trauma to the woman’s body, but the case is unusual enough that they are treating it as a potential crime.

The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

An FDNY K9 team also searched for signs of arson.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

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