Police Identify Man Found on Playground

LANDOVER HILLS, Md. - Police made a gruesome discovery on the playground of a Landover Hills, Maryland school Monday morning around 7:30 a.m.

Police identified a naked, beaten and burned body as that of 43-year-old Pedro Nelson Sanchez-Bautista of Landover Hills. Law enforcement sources say his feet were burned, indicating he was likely tortured before he died with what may have been a blow torch used at construction sites.

Sanchez-Bautista lived with his uncle and cousin in Landover Hills. They told FOX 5's Will Thomas he was home at 6 a.m. Monday and left for a construction job a short time later.

Jose Bautista, the victim's uncle, said his nephew sent money home to his wife and four young boys in El Salvador and was not involved in gangs or drug activity.

"I loved him very much as if he was my son," Bautista said.

Police are waiting for autopsy results and hope witnesses will come forward with information. Call the Homicide Unit at (301) 772-4925 or Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).