The body of a woman found in a burned car on Hutchinson Island has been identified.
According to St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara, dental analysis determined the victim is 25-year-old Brandaris Diandra Johnson of Vero Beach.
“Now that we have identified the victim, our investigation can continue into what may have happened in the early morning hours of October 26 and led to Ms. Johnson’s death,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara. “We continue to ask the public to help us; if someone out there saw Ms. Johnson the night of October 25 or knows anything about the days leading up to her death, please contact our detectives at 772-462-3230 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.”
Just before 1 a.m. Thursday there was a call of a brush fire at Blind Creek Beach in the 5400 block of South Ocean Drive on South Hutchinson Island.
“When first responders arrived, they found that it was not a brush fire, but in fact a car, fully engulfed in flames,” Sheriff Ken J. Mascara said in a statement.
“While conducting their investigation, detectives discovered a body in the back of the car, both the car and body were burned beyond visible recognition,” Mascara said.
'“Out of an abundance of caution, we are at this time treating this as a homicide until evidence proves otherwise,” Mascara said.
Anyone with information is urged to call (772) 462-3230 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477.
