WARRENTON, N.C. — An early morning brush fire in Warren County is now a murder investigation.

Ridgeway firefighters discovered a body in the flames off Ridgeway-Drewry road near Interstate 85.

According to investigators, when firefighters arrived on the scene aroud 4:30 a.m., the area was in flames, and they smelled the distinct odor of gasoline.

The firemen also detected a woman's body in the burning area of the fire, burned beyond recognition.

The medical examiner reported that the woman had traumatic wounds to the head inflicted before the fire and was dead before the fire started.

Sheriff Johnny Williams and the State Bureau of Investigation said they will be looking for missing person's reports.

Since the body was found less than a mile from the interstate, those responsible may have come from almost anywhere north or south.