PALESTINE, Texas (February 26, 2023) – Just after 5:30 pm on Sunday, February 26th, Officers from the Palestine Department responded to a wooded area off of Highway 155 near Loop 256 after a landowner observed what appeared to be a body in a creek.
Officers arrived on scene and found what appeared to be a deceased adult male in the creek. The body was in the later stages of decomposition.
Detectives were able to locate an ID in the clothing, which belonged to a 53-year-old male from Tennessee, who was known to be homeless and believed to be living in the woods nearby.
“Right now, there are no obvious signs of foul play, but we are looking at all possibilities.” PPD Chief Mark Harcrow said. “Detectives are working to contact family members and to confirm the identity. We will not release the identity until that is complete. “
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Gary Thomas has ordered an autopsy.
The investigation is ongoing.