MIDDLEPORT, Ohio - Meigs County sheriff's deputies and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation officials are investigating a death that occurred around 7 p.m. Nov. 11.
Deputies and investigators are searching for James E. Gardner, 40, of Middleport, as a person of interest in the murder of his father, James W. Gardner, officials said. The 67-year-old victim suffered blunt force trauma, said Meigs County Sheriff Robert Beegle.
"BCI is helping with the investigation because we're just a small force," said Beegle.
The suspect is allegedly driving the victim's stolen truck, a 2001 blue Dodge 2500. A red four-wheeler is also missing, he said.
"The truck was seen around 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday by a family member," said the sheriff.
According to the witness account, the truck was seen going across the Silver Memorial Bridge on U.S. 33. The suspect is believed to be in West Virginia, said Beegle.
The white male is described as 6-feet-tall, 175 pound with blond hair. The body of the victim was discovered in his home off of Paulins Hill Road, about four miles from Ohio 7, officials said.
