Body found burning in fire pit

A Marion County man is behind bars, charged with first degree premeditated murder, after a woman’s body was found burning in a fire pit in her backyard.

It happened on 225th Avenue in Dunnellon. Police arrested Zachary Snyder, 19, who had lived with the victim, 66-year-old Doris Babcock. Investigators say Snyder even called the victim "grandma."

Doris’ husband, Cecil Babcock, called the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. He told deputies that he speaks to his wife several times a day (via phone) while he works as a long distance truck driver. Cecil’s last conversation with Doris was the morning of Friday, November 13.

Marion County deputies conducted a "well-being" check around 11 p.m., Saturday, November 14, 2009. Deputies did not find Doris Babcock, but did find Snyder in the Babcock’s home.

Snider told deputies that he did not know where Doris was at that time. Deputies called Cecil, who told deputies that Snider should not be in his home. Snider was detained and questioned before deputies found he had six credit/debit cards belonging to Doris Babcock. He was charged with theft of the credit cards and violation of probation.

Deputies then found Doris’ car in the backyard. Deputies could see blood throughout the home and other elements of foul play. At that point, deputies made contact with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Special Investigation Bureau.

Investigators learned Snider was burning something in a pit. He told investigators he was burning garbage, but upon further investigation, detectives found human remains.   Investigators also found a knife with a bent blade near the scene. Detectives said Snyder had cuts on his fingers and that witnesses saw him wearing bloody clothes on Friday. Investigators found bloody clothes inside Snyder's mobile home along with "to do" list which included the words "Kill Mrs. Dee" on it.

Snyder is being held in the Marion County Jail on no bond.