GARNER — May 19, 1996, 9:28 a.m.EDT

The body of a 33-year-old man who had moved to Raleigh several months ago was found alongside Interstate 40 just before dawn Saturday.

Alexander B. Cowan of Melvid Court was pronounced dead on arrival at Wake Medical Center. He had gunshot wounds to his torso and one gunshot to his head. Maj. Danny Bellamy of the Wake County Sheriff's Department said the killing appeared to be the work of experienced criminals.

Several hours after Cowan's body was discovered by a passing truck driver, Cowan's car turned up in Johnston County, burned so badly that the aluminum rims had melted into puddles and the rubber bumpers had vaporized.

The car belonged to Cowan's girlfriend.

She told investigators Cowan had left their apartment Friday night about 10.

Robbery was ruled out because money was found on his body, and the murderers obviously did not want the car.

Bellamy speculates that it might have been revenge or an argument. Anyone with information is asked to call the investigators' unit at 856-6800