‘He hated fire’: Family says Houston man found burning under freeway was murdered
A gruesome discovery under a Houston freeway has left a family searching for answers after a man was found hanging and on fire, in what police are investigating as a potential homicide.
A gruesome discovery under a Houston freeway has left a family searching for answers after a man was found hanging and on fire, in what police are investigating as a potential homicide.
Railroad workers discovered the burning body of 46-year-old Jeremy Carnes hanging beneath the I-610 Freeway, near 5000 Kirkpatrick Boulevard in northeast Houston, on October 23.
Union Pacific workers initially reported it as a brush fire to the Houston Fire Department around 10 p.m., according to Houston Police.
“Upon arrival, officers found a body of an adult male hanging from under the underpass. It also appears that it’s been burnt, so set on fire, partially,” said Lt. Kahn of the Houston Police Department at the scene.
Family Rejects Possibility of Suicide
Carnes’ sister, Commilla Kidd, speaking from her home in Kansas, adamantly rejects any suggestion that her brother’s death could have been self-inflicted, citing a traumatic childhood incident that left him with a lifelong fear of fire.
“When he was three years old, he was burned badly. He’s got face scars, the whole deal. My brother hated fire. Like it was a fear after that,” said Kidd. “For anybody to say that he did this to himself, our family’s going, you don’t know him.”
A Life Cut Short
Carnes, who would have turned 47 on October 30, was described by his sister as someone who could instantly connect with others.
“He was just a really nice person. He could make friends with anybody. He just was kind,” Kidd recalled of her “baby brother,” whom she had raised for most of his life.
A native of Alvin, Texas, Carnes had been living in the Houston area, doing odd jobs and helping people in the neighborhood.
“When he was home, he was present and loving and the kid’s best friend. He was just amazing with the kids,” Kidd said.
A Search For Answers Continues
Police are treating the case as a likely homicide.
“It seems very unlikely [to be suicide], especially because if he’s not just hanging, there’s also the fire,” Lt. Kahn explained. “We don’t know what actually killed him. That’ll be something that detectives and the ME [medical examiner], after the autopsy report comes out, they’ll be able to tell officially as to the cause of death.”
The scene was discovered near what appears to be a homeless encampment, according to police.
Investigators have yet to identify any witnesses to the incident.
In a small victory for the family, Carnes’ dog was recently recovered and will be reunited with his daughter.
However, Kidd remains focused on finding those responsible for her brother’s death.
“I’m not done and I won’t stop until I’m buried six feet under. I’m just not going to stop until I get justice for my brother,” Kidd declared, adding that she plans to be in Houston frequently as she seeks answers.
The Houston Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Houston Police Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers.
You can submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Houston online or by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477).
