Burned body discovered near Route 1 in Chelsea

CHELSEA, Mass. — State Police and the Suffolk County District Attorney's office are investigating the a burned male body found in Chelsea.

The body was found on state property in the area of Route 16 east at Webster Avenue near the Route 1 south embankment.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney, police were called around 6:45 p.m. for reports of a brush fire, and when they responded they discovered the body.

“It’s pretty gruesome,” Joey Sanchez, a Chelsea resident who live near the scene, said. “I went to school for criminal investigations the first thing in my mind was that person is trying to destroy evidence. No one wants to hear that their family member ended up on fire on the side of the road.”

Officials going through the scene say they have found some signs of "accidental ignition" but have not yet made any final determinations.

The Medical Examiner will try to determine the cause and manner of death.

Investigators say a "highly flammable" mattress was found near the body, along with cardboard debris, sterno, a cigarette pack and other items that they say may indicate an accidental fire.

The investigation is ongoing.

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