Meridian Star

Breaking News

Local News

August 20, 2010

Death of Wayne County man ruled homicide

MERIDIAN —     Clarke County Sheriff Todd Kemp was pretty sure his department was dealing with a homicide in the death of Joe Michael Ruffin and Thursday morning medical examiners in Jackson confirmed his belief.

    "We have five law enforcement agencies in on this case so we are trying to do everything we can to find out who did this," Kemp said late Thursday

    According to Clarke County Coroner Gregg Fairchild, the preliminary report from Jackson listed the 35-year old man’s death as a homicide. Fairchild said the report showed Ruffin died as the result of a single shotgun blast to the back.

    "The report talks of pulling numerous buckshot pellets from his back," Fairchild said. "But it doesn't say anything about the caliber of shotgun."

    Kemp said there is still no suspect or person of interest in the case.

    Ruffin's body was found in the back seat of his 2003 Cadillac DeVille at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Clarke County Road 242 near Vossburg, Kemp said. He said physical evidence found at the scene and inside the car “seemed to indicate” to him and investigators foul play may have been involved in the man's death.

    Fairchild said it was tough to try and nail down a time of death but he estimated Ruffin had been dead at least three days.

    "I would put the death within a 24-hour hour period Friday," said Fairchild.

Kemp said Ruffin's wife reported him missing Aug. 13 to Wayne County officials.

    Investigators are still in the preliminary stages of getting the early evidence and information gathered so they can begin to map out the circumstances surrounding the incident, he said.

    Kemp said multiple agencies, including the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and police department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, are all teaming up on the case.

Text Only
Local News
Facebook
Helium debate
Helium
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is... Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty' Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore. Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com