A body found burning in a Philadelphia neighborhood frequented by prostitutes has been identified as the stepfather of rapper Beanie Sigel.

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Sam Derry, 46, was shot to death, then his body set ablaze Tuesday, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Wednesday.

The newspaper quoted sources saying police were investigating the possibility that the killing had been in retaliation against Sigel.

Sigel, whose real name is Dwight Grant, has a history of violence and trouble with the law. He was acquitted last month of allegedly shooting a man on a crowded Philadelphia street.

The trial began weeks after his release from prison on a federal weapons charge.

He faces trial Jan. 10, 2006, for allegedly breaking a man's eye socket in January 2003 fight over a woman, the newspaper said.