Coroner: 'Fed' written in pen on Ky. Census worker

[sabra]

Source: AP

BIG CREEK, Ky. — Authorities said a U.S. Census worker died by asphyxiation but were releasing few other details about the mysterious case nearly two weeks after Bill Sparkman's body — with the word "fed" scrawled on the chest — was found hanging from a tree near a family cemetery secluded by Appalachian forest.

The word was written with what appeared to be felt-tip pen, Clay County Coroner Jim Trosper said Friday. He did not elaborate.

The substitute teacher, 51, was discovered Sept. 12 in a remote patch of Daniel Boone National Forest in Clay County where he was working part-time for the government. Still, law enforcement officials weren't saying Thursday whether he was working at the time of his death or whether they believed it had anything to do with his job. Authorities have so far been unable to determine if it was an accidental death, homicide, or suicide.

Mary Hibbard, a teacher in Manchester, recalled Sparkman visiting her over the summer to ask typical Census questions, such as the size of her house and the average monthly utility bills. After she answered, she turned the questioning on him — quizzing him about his faith and learning he had a strong belief in God.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbzG_BlkG2Hfc818EPRRn1bBlP6gD9AUFR2O0

[mikelgb]

1. "have so far been unable to determine if it was an accidental death, homicide, or suicide"

hmm, I'm leaning toward accident, you?

[KansDem]

3. How?

How could this be an "accident?" Unless some locals were trying to scare him with a pretend lynching and were going to stop short of actually doing it, but things got out of hand and now there are perhaps a few very scared residents in the area...

[MARALE]

4. I think that Mike was being sarcastic

NT

[KansDem]

9. -

:blush:

[Warpy]

5. Any time feet are touching the ground

they ASSume autoerotic asphyxiation.

Somehow, I don't think that's the case this time.

[nashville_brook]

8. some folks seem to have a *fixation* on this. it's like they can't stop thinking about it.

:evilgrin:

[Chulanowa]

7. Maybe he blundered into a giraffe snare!

Tragic, but we know how much of a problem those long-necked varmits are in Kentucky, right?

[Joanne98]

2. They're stalling!

[madrchsod]

6. well i think jim is in fear of his life

i`m sure he knows of people who could have done something like this

[zonkers]

10. I have no doubt this case will be solved. I bet they have suspects narrowed down to a few.

[sasquatch]

11. I wonder when someone will hold Bachman and Beck responsible for this

Or am I just jerking off.

[alfredo]

13. Being a Republican means never having to say you're sorry.

[JonQ]

20. When they are found to have actually had a hand in it

they're probably holding off until they find that stuff, you know, what's it called? Evidence.

Same reason they haven't charged random people off the street.

[scarface2004]

12. indict rush limpass for murder!!!

he had a show a couple of weeks ago where he was goading his dittoheads to go after the census workers....by any means necessary!!! he said they were obama's communist socialist nazi terrorist slime!!!

[ShortnFiery]

14. I hope either KO or Rachel covers this tonight or Monday at the latest. eom

[Bette Noir]

15. Rachel broke the story two days ago.

[ShortnFiery]

17. Oh thanks, I missed her show.

I should have TIVO'd it ... out with the family.
I'm going to have to make time to watch tonight.
Thanks again. :hi:

[izquierdista]

16. Discovered Sept. 12

Let me think, what else was going on that day? I must be getting feeble-minded, I can't remember if anything anti-gubmint happened on that day or not. :think:

[Berry Cool]

18. He'd been dead since the day before.

I don't know whether that matters or not.

[BuelahWitch]

19. If his body was as badly decomposed as they say...

How can they make out "Fed" in felt tip pen on his chest? Or did that part of him stay in tact by a miracle of the Kentucky bluegrass?

[sohndrsmith]

21. every time I see this on the news, they show a picture of latex gloves on

gravelly ground. I have yet to hear if they've determined a connection or not. I'm guessing they're part of the crime scene and testing for DNA - but that's just a guess. I only wish if they show the image in context of the story they might say something about it. Oh well...

What a sad, tragic story. The man seemed to be a well-liked, happy fellow who enjoyed his work. Even if he had secrets his friends were unaware of (addiction? - I have no clue - my guess would be no, but who knows?), it's tragic nonetheless.