Police investigating after burned body found near Wheaton trail

Police were investigating after a burned body were found near a trail Wednesday morning in suburban Wheaton.

A person walking on the Lincoln Marsh trail noticed a fire in the marsh and found the body about 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, Wheaton police said.

“Fire by its nature is destructive, and it adds a layer of complexity to an investigation which requires more time and resources,” Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker said in a news release. “We understand that the community has questions, and we are working diligently to be able to provide more information."

"At this time, we have no reason to believe there is a threat to the public, and our personnel and partner resources will continue investigating this incident,” Youker said.

The identity of the individual hasn’t been released as authorities work to notify next of kin, officials said.

Wheaton police detectives are investigating with the assistance of the DuPage County coroner’s office, Arson Task Force and Forensic Investigation Unit of the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team.