Coroner: Census worker died at tree in Ky. forest

[RamboLiberal]

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A part-time census taker died at the tree in a Kentucky forest where his body was found with a rope around his neck and the word "fed" scrawled on his chest, officials said Wednesday.

The naked body of Bill Sparkman, 51, was found hanging from the tree yet in contact with the ground in a remote patch of the Daniel Boone National Forest on Sept. 12. Authorities had previously not said whether Sparkman died there or elsewhere and then taken to the secluded area near a family cemetery in rural southeast Kentucky.

Clay County Coroner Jim Trosper and state medical examiner executive director Mike Wilder confirmed the death location to The Associated Press, but gave no other details.

Authorities have kept a tight lid on the investigation into the death of the teacher and part-time census worker. They have confirmed asphyxiation caused his death, but Wilder said a manner of death still couldn't be determined until the investigation is complete. Homicide, suicide and an accident were all being considered, he said.

Jerry Weaver, one of the people who found the body during a family gathering at the cemetery, said Sparkman had been gagged and his hands and feet were bound with duct tape. The word "fed" was written on his chest in what appeared to be felt-tip marker, Trosper said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbzG_BlkG2Hfc818EPRRn1bBlP6gD9BKDIAG0

How in the hell can they still be considering suicide? And IMHO this investigation seems to be going at a snail's pace.

[blueknight]

1. i live in ky

and last i heard, they were close to making a arrest. i hope they do ASAP

[FiveGoodMen]

2. At this rate, the case will have to be handed down from generation to generation

What the fuck's taking so long?

[opihimoimoi]

3. The tree outpaces the search/investigation....

[JuniperLea]

4. Unless "FED" is spelled backward on his chest...

I'm thinking this wasn't suicide.

Since his hands and feet were bound, I'm thinking this wasn't suicide.

Who benefits from these asswipes dragging their feet on this investigation?

[theHandpuppet]

5. Seems to me there must have been plenty of forensic evidence

I find it more than odd that the investigation is taking this long.

[malaise]

6. Yah think?

:evilgrin:

[JuniperLea]

10. I know...

I have a bizarre and freakish ability to state the obvious!

:evilgrin:

[Canuckistanian]

7. Sounds like the Clay County Coroner is under some pressure

If he calls it murder, he brings down the wrath of conservatives or maybe some other shadowy figures.

If he calls it suicide, he risks being branded a total fucking idiot.

Choices, choices.....

[southerncrone]

8. Justice is often never served in our Southern backwoods towns.

(Cue Dueling Banjos music...)

My guess is that there are lots of people in that county who know EXACTLY who did this. They protect each other. It will most likely take forensics to solve this & sometimes those tests take time. I certainly hope they get the sicko(es) who did this. The fact that suicide is still considered an option would seem an attempt to confuse the guilty into thinking they could get away with it. Just MHO.

[bertman]

9. Whatever happened to letting an investigation take its course? Maybe they're tracking

leads that aren't red hot. Maybe there are subtleties to getting the perps as well as the evidence needed to convict.

Jesus, you people watch too much CSI!!

If the final result is messed up I'll get upset, but for right now I'm giving the Kentucky cops all the time they need to get this right.