Body in burning truck identified

PORTALES — Officials have positively identified the body found in a burning pickup truck last year and determined the cause of death was accidental.

A news release Wednesday from Roosevelt County Sheriff Malin Parker said the victim was identified as Steve Robert Gephart, 59, whom witnesses said lived in the neighborhood west of Portales where the truck was found.

The release said officials believe Gephart caused the Dec. 13 fire himself. “A propane torch located in the vehicle within the area of the deceased is believed to be the possible source of the ignition,” the release said.