BODY DISCOVERED NEAR ALTIZER ROAD - Police Investigating Cause Of Death

(09/05/2007)

Body discovered across West Fork along
Altizer Rd. at the mouth of Daniel's Run

The badly decomposed body of a man was discovered today along the West Fork of the Little Kanawha River at Altizer, near the Stoney Point Community Church.

Sgt. Jeff Skidmore of the Grantsville State Police Detachment said the cause of death is yet to be determined, saying the age and identity of the individual is being withheld, pending notification of next-of-kin.

The body was discovered on a bank above the river on what is known as the Morgan Farm near the Mouth of Daniels Run.

Sgt. Skidmore confirms discovery of decomposed remains

"Fishermen discovered the body and notified the police," said Sgt. Skidmore, "The investigation into the cause of death is continuing." The body was being sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office.

Medical Examiner Mike Sinclair of Parkersburg indicated the decomposition indicates death from a time period of a week or two to more than a month because of hot, humid conditions.

Sources at the scene indicated the body was clothed and a weapon was found nearby.

A local man about 24-years-old was said to be missing during the past couple weeks, sources said.

A number of State Police officers, the Calhoun Sheriff's Department, members of the State Crime Lab and the Arnoldsburg Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

Crime Lab officer prepares to go to scene