BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — UPDATE: The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the man whose body was found “burned beyond recognition” last Friday.

William Kenneth Kennard, 57, of Bessemer, was found just after 11 a.m. on Jan. 7 on the 2800 block of Slayden Avenue in Birmingham. Authorities report that Kennard was shot and killed and later his body was “burned beyond recognition.”

Police are unsure when Kennard was killed. The investigation is ongoing.

The case has been ruled a homicide and an investigation is underway. No suspects are in custody at this time.

If you have any information on the incident, contact BPD at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Stay with CBS 42 as this story develops.

ORIGINAL: The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a homicide that was reported on the west side of town Friday morning.

According to BPD, the investigation began at the intersection of Slayden Avenue and Birmingport Road just after 11 a.m.

A preliminary investigation suggests someone in the area called police after observing what looked like a burned body off the roadway. Officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of Slayden Avenue and discovered the body “burned beyond recognition.”