Pennsylvania Man Found Dead in Burning Car on Rural Virginia Road

A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man was found dead in a burnt-out car on a rural Virginia road last week, and police there have identified a suspect.

Bedford County, Virginia, Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance said the victim, Ethan Bert of York, Pennsylvenia, was killed in a violent encounter prior to the vehicle fire, according to WSET.

Further investigation identified 29-year-old Joseph Richard Walker of Roanoke City as the suspect, Nance said. Walker was arrested in Florida and is expected to be extradited to Virginia “no later than the middle of next week,” he said.

Nance said that Bert and Walker were acquainted and that he plans to share the murder warrant when it’s available. Walker has been charged with second degree murder.

“This is an ongoing, and multifaceted, investigation,” Nance said. “I would encourage anyone who has pertinent information to contact the Bureau of Investigations of the Virginia State Police in Salem or this office. I extend my thanks to the multiple agencies that have assisted in the investigation thus far.”

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[Featured image: Ethan Bert/Facebook]