Authorities: Bethany Victim's Throat Slashed And Body Charred

Disturbing new details surrounding the death of a missionary whose body was found earlier this month inside a burning home in Bethany were recently revealed.

Tuesday, March 31st 2015, 11:50 pm

By: News 9


Disturbing new details surrounding the death of a missionary whose body was found earlier this month inside a burning home in Bethany were recently revealed. Police took several items from the home as evidence.

It was too emotional and too soon Tuesday for people to talk about the man who lived next door. He was 73 and a missionary from Mexico. His church was just feet away and practically in the backyard of the home where police believe he was murdered.

2/23/2015 Related Story: Police: Body Found After Bethany House Fire

What exactly happened inside the man's home has been under investigation, but a search warrant filed by police states they found him "in a pool of blood and had what appeared to be possible stab wound and slashed throat" and that "the wounds were made by a sharp object."

Investigators also believe the fire was intentionally set. Another shocking discovery within document pages stated the missionary "may have been doused with an accelerant due to the charring" on his body. Just inches away, detectives found "blood splatter on the wall."

The home became a crime scene, and extra police presence has been requested to preserve evidence. The vehicle in the driveway was untouched. It belonged to Jose Ruiz, and although police can't for certain identify the body they found as his, based on interviews with family members and witnesses, that's who they believe was found inside the home.

If you know anything about this case, contact police.

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