Haunting mystery when a pastor’s body is found in an abandoned van leads police to a bloody crime scene five miles away

THE startling discovery of a pastor’s body in a van has led police to a bloody crime scene five miles away.

Police officers have launched a manhunt after the body of 57-year-old Marita Harrell was found in her abandoned vehicle along a country road.

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According to Fox5, investigators made the grim discovery Wednesday at Block 1600 of Coffee Road in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Police believe the victim, who died from apparent stab wounds, was thrown into the van after being killed at a house on Panola Road.

Officers were able to locate a crime scene about five miles from where the body was found after using the pastor’s phone records to track her recent movements.

They discovered that Rev. Harrell was counseling a 27-year-old man at the home the same night she was found dead.

A SWAT team has issued a search warrant at the property where they believe the stabbing took place.

Investigators combed the property for clues on Thursday and spoke to the man’s relatives.

Officials were eventually able to speak to the man over the phone, who promised to call in but didn’t, the outlet reports.

His name has not yet been released.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724-7850.

Harrell was the senior pastor at Connections at Metropolitan UMC.

Her former church, Rivertown UMC, posted a Facebook tribute announcing her death.

The statement read: “Sadly, and with a truly heavy heart, I have the uncomfortable task of delivering some heartbreaking news.

“I received an email from the district office notifying us of the Rev. Marita Harrell’s transition. No further details were given.

“I know the love Rivertown has for her and the love she has for Rivertown.

“We are asked to be in prayer especially for her husband and daughter.

“Please keep the whole family in your prayers. May God’s comforting arms enfold her family, friends and loved ones.”

The pastor leaves behind her parents, her 27-year-old husband and their two daughters.

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