BETHLEHEM, PA (WFMX/CNN) - Authorities in Bethlehem, PA, are searching for those responsible for the killing of an 18-year-old man.
Officials said the victim was stabbed multiple times before being burned alive.
Police said 18-year-old Tyrell Holmes, a one-time Liberty High student, was still alive when he was lit on fire after being stabbed multiple times.
And his burning body was found near this dumpster at Bethlehem's Parkhurst Apartment Complex early Tuesday morning.
Like others, Ryan Rosado came to a memorial to honor his lifelong friend.
“Very nice kid, funny,” said Rosado. “I was with him not to long ago. We were in his room, rapping, being funny.”
“I just came to hear this,” he said. “It hurts. Because you grew up with the kid. That kid is like my brother."
District Attorney John Morganelli said Holmes suffered extreme pain.
"There is no doubt that this type of killing resulted in extreme pain to this victim,” Morganelli said. “And that this victim, prior to dying, was in extreme pain and was conscious.”
Police said a 911 caller thought he saw the body crawling on the ground while still on fire.
On arrival, officers initially thought it was a mannequin but after fire extinguishers were used, they discovered it was in fact a body.
“It is a very violent type of homicide,” said Police Chief Mark Diluzio.
The coroner said Holmes died from smoke inhalation, thermal injuries and stab wounds.
An accelerant was found at the scene by Allentown's arson dog.
“Burning someone to death, we may have a first degree capital case here because torture is an aggravating circumstance under the law,” said Morganelli.
Officials said the attack was not random, and they are looking for a motive.
Copyright 2018 WFMX via CNN. All rights reserved.
