Car fire prompts murder arrest

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) - A burning car, a body and a break-in add up to a murder investigation in southern New Mexico.

Otero County deputies say the case started with a couple of calls-one for a burning car, the other a breaking and entering--in the Boles Acres area south of Alamogordo.

After getting the car fire out, investigators found a body inside burned beyond recognition.

Then deputies investigating the break-in found Matias Loza, 31, of Phoenix hiding under an RV.

After questioning Loza, they charged him with an open count of murder, aggravated arson and tampering with evidence.

They added a bribery charge after Loza allegedly offered a deputy $40,000 to let him escape.

The body is at the Office of the Medical Investigator to determine the cause of death and identify the victim.