The body of Melissa Davis, 33, was found along a road in Austin, Texas, by firefighters responding to reports of a grass fire around 5 a.m. on Sept. 29, according to a statement from the Austin Police Department.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and her death has been ruled a homicide by police.
According to a search warrant for Davis’ cell phone obtained by KXAN-TV, first responders smelled a “strong odor of accelerant” near her body, and found what appeared to be a lighter.
A police K9 also dug up a butcher knife, which police believe “was placed with the decedent in an attempt to destroy the evidence with the fire,” the warrant states.
While medical examiners did not find any trauma to Davis’ body, they believe she was burned alive, KXAN-TV reports, citing the warrant.
As the investigation into her death continues, police are now searching for Davis’ car, per the statement. It is described as a 2016 blue Toyota 4Runner with the Texas license plate number KYV3765.
Davis’ best friend, Ellie Simmons, told local station KVUE that Davis loved art and planned to share her passion across the globe.
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