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Body Found In Burning Car In Pilsen IDed As Demolition Company Owner

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A body found in a burning car in the Pilsen neighborhood last week has been identified as a Barrington Hills businessman. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office is still trying to determine how he was killed.

James Gerage, 43, was found dead in a burning vehicle Friday night. His body was found in the back seat of a car found near 620 W. 21st St. in Pilsen. Police sources said he was probably killed at a different location before he was set on fire.

Investigators are still processing the vehicle for evidence and authorities say it's too early in the investigation to speculate on a motive, CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports.

Police said detectives were looking into the Gerage family's background, and possible financial issues, but a department spokesperson said it's too early to speculate.

The father of two co-owned Omega Demolition, based in northwest suburban Elgin, along with his brother. The company worked on a number of high-profile road projects in Chicago, including the widening of the Jane Addams Tollway.

Gerage's family has posted a sign at the entrance of the driveway to their Barrington Hills home, reading "No Media." Calls to the family and business were not returned. A receptionist said at the business today that that Gerage's brother was not in and that the company isn't commenting on his death.

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