Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Authorities Say Earnest Death Was Murder

   Authorities now report that the death of a Lawrence County native inside his Lauderdale County home last week was an instance of murder.

   Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered the body of 46-year-old Rusty L. Earnest inside his Travel Path Road home around 10:30 Wednesday morning. Lauderdale County Sheriff Ronnie Willis reported that his department had received a call from coworkers who had become concerned when he did not show up at work Wednesday morning.

   When they opened the door of Earnest’s home, deputies report that black smoke billowed from within. Earnest’s body was found lying near the living room door. Willis indicated that the person responsible for Earnest’s death apparently attempted to cover up the crime by starting the fire. The attempt was not successful, however. Once the available oxygen was consumed by the fire, it was unable to continue to burn and was reduced to a smoldering state.

   Earnest’s body was dispatched to Huntsville for autopsy. Authorities reported Friday that autopsy revealed Earnest had perished as the result of blunt force trauma to the head.

   Authorities indicated that blood had been found on the deck of Earnest’s home and that he had likely been killed there, then dragged inside where the fire was set.

   Investigation into Earnest’s murder is continuing at the present time.