Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Loretto Man Injured In Monday Shooting
Alabama authorities are continuing to investigate an incident in which a Loretto man sustained multiple gunshot wounds Monday.
Officials with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department report that James Travis Murks, 34, of Loretto, sought treatment at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence Monday afternoon.
Murks reported that he and his girlfriend had driven to Joe Wheeler State Park Monday morning. He said that they lost their way and ended up driving along Lauderdale County Road 50 in the Anderson area.
Murks told investigators that they experienced car trouble and had pulled over onto the side of the roadway. After he exited the car, he said he was approached by a man who accused him of trespassing. He told officials that during the conversation the man shot him several times using both a shotgun and handgun.
Authorities report finding several bullet holes in Murks’ car. One window had been shot out. Murks’ girlfriend reported that after shooting the man ordered her out of the car and told her to leave. She told investigators that she ran into some nearby woods.
Murks reported that his assailant left the scene and that he got back into the car and drove down the road to pick up his girlfriend. He said that a tire had been damaged during the gunfire. They were forced to stop along the roadway to change the tire somewhere in the Lexington/Grassy/Anderson area.
Murks’ girlfriend drove him to the hospital for medical attention, arriving approximately seven hours after the shooting took place.
Investigators report that officers drove along Lauderdale 50, but were unable to locate any signs of a confrontation. Investigation into the matter is currently on-going.
Murks described his assailant as a man in his mid-fifties, slim and of average height, with salt and pepper gray hair and a six-inch gray bear. Anyone who has information that might aid in the investigation is urged to contact the sheriff’s department at 256-760-5757.
