Massachusetts

Arrest, New Details in Case of Burned Body Found in Worcester

Rafael Guzman, 35, has been charged with accessory after the fact of murder

A charred body found in a wooded part of Worcester, Massachusetts, this week was likely wrapped in bubble wrap and a blanket, prosecutors said Friday as they announced the arrest of a man in connection with the killing.

Rafael Guzman, 35, was charged with accessory after the fact of murder in connection to the death of 30-year-old Benjamin Pacheco, during his arraignment in Central District Court. After pleading not guilty, the judge ordered Guzman held on $100,000 bail.

Firefighters had responded to an area near 277 Granite St. at about 6 a.m. Tuesday where the body of a man was found. That man, now identified as Pacheco, was covered by a blanket and bubble-wrap material, according to evidence at teh scene.

After reviewing surveillance video from a nearby store, police tracked down the owner of a car seen in the area, according to The Telegram. That owner told authorities he had loaned the car to Guzman.

People who lived near where the body was found said the area was known as a dumping ground for many things, like couches, boats, furniture — though not bodies.

It's unclear when Guzman is due back in court.

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