LANDOVER HILLS, Md. - Prince George's County police say a man whose naked body was found behind a church this week had been beaten and burned in an apparent act of torture.

Police say the brutal way 43-year-old Pedro Nelson Sanchez-Bautista was killed suggests that his death was not the result of a random mugging and investigators are looking at links to gang or drug activity.

A staff member at Ascension Lutheran Church and Day School in Landover Hills found Sanchez-Bautista's body Monday in the parking lot near a basketball court and playground. Sources tell ABC 7 News at least three young students also saw the victim.

The body reportedly remained in the schoolyard for hours while students could be seen peeking out windows from time to time. But while neighbors and parents say that's more than upsetting, sources tell ABC 7 News it was made impossible for the children to see the man.

"It looks like the school handled it very well. They have it so the children can't have any kind of access or see anything that's happening with the forensics investigation and so they moved him to the front of the building," said Annette Singletary, a school parent.

Spokeswoman Capt. Misty Mints said all possibilities are on the table, but it was not a random event. Police say Sanchez-Bautista had burns even on his feet.

"This victim was unfortunately targeted. We don't know why he was targeted -- more than likely in regards to the lifestyle he was leading," said Col. Kevin Davis of the Prince George's County Police Department. 

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Information from: Washington Post

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