New Dad Discovered Dead in Burning Car in Florida – and 2 People Are Charged With Murder

A 27-year-old Florida man was found dead in his burning car — and two people have been charged with murder in connection with his Nov. 14 death, according to a series of police news releases.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office says it’s unclear whether the fire that engulfed Darren Butler’s car in North Lauderdale killed him. They have not revealed a motive in his killing.

On Saturday, police arrested Rougiena Deriveire, 18, and on Tuesday, they arrested Johntavis McCoe, 26. Both were charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death.

Johntavis McCoe
Johntavis McCoe
Rougiena Deriveire
Rougiena Deriveire

Authorities have yet to disclose whether Butler may have known either of his alleged killers, and have not released information about a connection between the two defendants.

Firefighters responded to North Lauderdale’s Bicentennial Park after receiving calls about the fully engulfed car, which Butler had only purchased a month ago.

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“When the flames were extinguished by North Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the 27-year-old’s body was discovered in the car,” reads a police statement.

Neighbors say they heard gunshots shortly before the fire was discovered raging at around 5 a.m. the morning of Nov. 15.

Investigators, according to the statement, are not commenting on the case further.

McCoe and Deriveire have not appeared before a judge to enter pleas to the charges against them.

It was also unknown Wednesday if either had retained an attorney who could comment on their behalf.

PEOPLE was unable to contact any of Butler’s relatives Wednesday.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, Butler became a father three months ago.