YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A homicide investigation is underway in Youngstown after a body was found in a burning SUV Wednesday night. 

Firefighters were called out to what they thought was a brush fire at 9:20 p.m.

Instead, they found a car near the 3300 block of McGuffey Road back in the woods that was engulfed in flames.

Police said while crews were putting out the flames, there was a badly burned body in the rear cargo area. 

The damage was so great that investigators weren't able to make out what type of SUV it is or any defining features about the victim.

On Friday, Youngstown police released an update, saying they'd been in contact with the family of a 42-year-old man from the city's south side who they haven't seen since the fire happened. 

Police have been able to determine that man is the owner of the burning SUV, but are waiting on the Mahoning county coroner's office to make an official determination on the identity of the person inside before releasing their name. 

An official homicide ruling will be made by the coroner's office after further examination. 

This is a developing story. Stay connected with us on-air and online as more information becomes available.