LEXINGTON (AP) — 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.
Wilder said his office was largely finished with its part of the investigation now that Sparkman’s body has been released for cremation, although it was still waiting to evaluate some forensic evidence. No report would be issued until law enforcement finished conducting interviews to learn exactly how he died, Wilder said.
“Any kind of investigation where there is a question as to the manner of death, you just have to cover every base,” Wilder said. “We can’t do any more, but we’re not going to elaborate on a manner of death without the law enforcement end collaborating on what the findings are.”
Capt. Lisa M. Rudzinski, commander of the state police post in London, said Tuesday that investigators were making progress and expected some resolution in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Census officials have suspended door-to-door work in the county until the investigation is complete.
Local News
Coroner: Census worker died in forest
Investigators expect some resolution in matter of weeks
- Local News
-
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
With Barbourville saying “No” to alcohol sales by the drink and by the package Tuesday night, the attention now turns to Corbin’s vote just six days away — Tuesday, Feb. 14.
-
Whitley man missing since Monday
First responders and neighborhood volunteers will continue their search Wednesday at 11 a.m. for a Whitley County man who’s been missing for two days.
-
Former sheriff Hodge appears in Whitley County Circuit Court
Former Whitley County sheriff Lawrence Hodge appeared in Whitley Circuit Court Monday, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Allen Trimble.
-
Search underway for man in Whitley County - Online Exclusive
A ground search is currently underway in the Bee Creek area of Whitley County for a 63-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday, according to Woodbine Fire Department Chief Rick Fore.
Richard "Dick" Martin hasn't been seen since he left his house about 11:30 a.m. Monday. He was riding a red Honda ATV. -
Alcohol election underway in Barbourville
Just before noon today (Tuesday) about 500 Barbourville residents had voted in the local option election that will decide if alcohol can be sold in the city.
-
W’burg jewelry thieves arrested
Williamsburg men connected to at least 10 burglaries have been arrested, according to Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell.
-
New temporary tag now on motorcycle market
A new temporary license tag for motorcycles was presented Monday to the owners of London’s Wildcat Harley-Davidson by Laurel County Clerk Dean Johnson.
-
Police search for stolen state truck
Police continued their search Monday night for a Kentucky Department of Transportation truck after the 2005 model white Chevy S-10 Blazer was stolen from the parking lot Sunday night near the Knox County Ambulance Service (EMS Station 2) office in East Corbin.
-
Animal ordinance to be discussed in London
In a meeting that lasted about an hour, the London City Council decided to have the animal ordinance it has been discussing for several months ready to be seriously considered at the March meeting.
-
B’ville alcohol vote is Tuesday
The first local option election in the Tri-County area will be held Tuesday at Barbourville’s Kentucky National Guard armory on Manchester Street.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Barbourville’s done. What’s next, Corbin?
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
