What am I? Beetle or roach?

[ScorpDemon]

My roommate found this little guy inside a snake carcass eating away at the flesh of the dead snake. So we know its at least somewhat carnivorous. Neither of us have ever seen anything like this before.
It was found in central Alabama if that helps.

Anyone got any ideas?
Not the best pics, I know but its the best I can do for now.

Basically we wanna know what it is, if its worth anything, are they territorial or predatory.. well pretty much anything anyone may know about them.
it has characteristics of both roach and beetle, so we're kind of clueless on where to even start looking for info.

 

[Jesse607]

It is a species of carrion beetle, not sure the latin name. I believe the larvae feed on maggots and rotten tissue/flesh.

 

[slingshot71]

Silpha americana

http://www.rlephoto.com/beetles01/Silpha_americana/index.htm

 

[Scolopendra55]

Yup its a Silpha americana

 

[Dark Raptor]

it has characteristics of both roach and beetle, so we're kind of clueless on where to even start looking for info.

It has clubbed antennae so it can't be a roach