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.
Local News
Death of Wayne County man ruled homicide
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Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
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