Monday, July 8, 2013
Man Dies In Fall From Bluff
The body of a man found in a local creek by some fishermen Sunday, has been identified as that of Loretto resident Christopher Shawn Hinton.
Officials with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department indicate that deputies had initially been dispatched around 11:00 p.m. Saturday to intercede in a domestic dispute at Hinton’s 51 Johnson Lane home.
The victim told deputies that Hinton had come home in an intoxicated state and was “doing donuts” in the front yard until his truck overheated. She said that he exited his truck, then demanded the keys to her truck. When she refused, she said he became irate, grabbed her by her hair, and threw her to the ground.
The victim reported that she was able to escape, run inside, and secure the door locks, but that Hinton broke the glass out of one door and attempted to use a log to ram open a second. The attempt resulted in several holes in the door.
According to the victim, once she had placed a 911 call for help, Hinton left on foot. Once deputies completed their investigation they issued warrants charging him with the crime of domestic assault. The victim and a child remained at the home.
Deputies returned to the area on Sunday after two fishermen reported finding a body lying face down in a creek in the area of Johnson Lane. The fishermen led deputies to the location of the body, which they were then able to identify.
Hinton’s body was found at the base of a 100-foot bluff. His residence was located in the vicinity of the top of the bluff. He reportedly sustained major trauma as a result of the fall, resulting in his death.
Detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division spent the remainder of the day investigating the death. They report finding no evidence of foul play.
Hinton’s body was dispatched to the Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
