Investigators Speculate Death Of Former Loretto Resident Was Murder

   Alabama authorities are speculating that the death of a former Loretto resident inside his home last week was an instance of murder.

   Although no arrests had been made in the case at press time Thursday, Lauderdale County, Alabama, authorities were working to determine the cause of death of Travel Path Road resident Rusty Earnest, age 46.

   Lauderdale County Sheriff Ronnie Willis indicated that Earnest’s body was discovered around 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. Coworkers had become concerned when Ernest did not come to work or call Wednesday morning. Deputies dispatched to the home found that it had apparently been set afire. Earnest’s body was found inside. Willis speculated that someone had placed Earnest’s body inside the home, then set the fire in an attempt to cover up the murder.

   No cause of death had yet been determined Thursday afternoon, however Willis indicated that blood had been found on the patio.

   Earnest’s body was dispatched to Huntsville for autopsy.

   Earnest is the brother of Loretto High School Athletics Director Grant Ernest.