Marco McMillian Death: Slain Miss. mayoral candidate was beaten and burned, family says

(CBS/AP) JACKSON, Miss. - The body of a slain Mississippi mayoral candidate was beaten and burned, his family said Monday.

PICTURES: Miss. mayoral candidate found dead

Marco McMillian, 34, was a candidate for mayor of Clarksdale. His body was found Wednesday near the Mississippi River levee. Lawrence Reed, 22, has been charged with his murder.

Carter Womack, McMillian's godfather, said the Coahoma County coroner informed him that McMillian was beaten and burned. The coroner declined to comment.

A person with direct knowledge of the investigation confirmed to The Associated Press that McMillian had bruises and there were burns on at least part of his body. The person wasn't authorized to publicly comment and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Womack said the family was told that McMillian's body was dragged under a fence and left near the levee.

Complete coverage of Marco McMillian on Crimesider