Body found in burning dumpster in Portsmouth had multiple gunshot wounds: court documents

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – News 3 is following the investigation into a body found in a burning dumpster in Portsmouth about a week ago.

Court records obtained by News 3 show the person had several gunshot wounds. Records show the body had gunshot wounds to the head, back and thigh. An autopsy also revealed bullet fragments in the person’s foot.

Records also show that police are investigating the death as a second-degree murder case.

View previous coverage: Dumpster fire in Portsmouth leads to discovery of body; police open investigation into murder

Portsmouth dumpster fire leads to discovery of body; police open investigation into murder

According to Portsmouth police, the body was discovered on November 18 while extinguishing a dumpster fire on Pepperwood Court. The dumpster was located on the grounds of Bethel Worship Center Church, the church’s pastor confirmed to News 3.

After police alerted 911 to a dumpster fire, firefighters arrived to extinguish the flames. They discovered a badly burned body inside and police found bullet casings near the dumpster.

Video from a nearby home showed two unidentified people walking near the crash site, according to police.

Investigators have narrowed down the digital identification of two devices found around the time and location of the shooting. So they filed a search warrant for Google data.

They hope information from text messages, phone calls, social media activity or Google searches can help them identify anyone involved in this crime.

Police are still working to identify the murdered person and notify the family.