HOUSTON -- Neighbors in the Quail Valley Apartment complex in Missouri City awoke to news of a murder Thursday morning. But it was the details of what was done to the victim's body after his death that shocked them, KPRC Local 2 reported.

"The way that it was done is just terrible," neighbor Laquita Noel said.

"To me, it's gruesome," neighbor Gina Wright said. "I don't see how anybody could do something like that."

Police said the victim's body appeared to be covered with gasoline and set on fire in one of the complex's courtyards.

When police arrived, the man's body was still burning.

"Officers were able to locate a garden hose nearby, and they actually doused the flames on our victim," said Capt. John Bailey with the Missouri City Police Department.

Bailey said there was a blood trail that led back to apartment No. 813, where Craig Joel Bolah, 20, lives. The victim has not been identified, and it was not known if Bolah was the victim or a possible suspect. Police called him a person of interest.

Police said they noticed a strong gasoline odor coming from the apartment, but the door was locked.

Once inside, police were almost overcome by gasoline fumes and noticed that the oven was left on.

"So, apparently someone wanted this apartment to burn down," Bailey said.

There were no other victims, but police said there was blood all over the carpet.

Because of that, investigators believe the victim was killed inside before being taken out, set on fire, and eventually discovered by a neighbor could not help but overhear the commotion near his apartment.

"He heard a big 'whoosh' outside of his apartment," Bailey said. "If you've ever lit any significant amount of gasoline, you know what that sound is, and that's exactly what he heard."

Investigators found evidence including clothing and a bag in a Dumpster, but they said the motive behind the killing was still unclear.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Bolah is asked to contact the Missouri City Police Department's lead investigator at 281-403-8730.