Probe continues into death

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Probe continues into death

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Marshall and Union counties are finishing up an investigation into the death of a New Albany woman who was found at the Cornersville Cemetery March 26.

Marshall County Sheriff Kenny Dickerson and his deputies responded to a call to the cemetery Sunday afternoon regarding a possible shooting.

Upon arrival, officers found Pamela Shaw, of 1830 Highway 30 West, New Albany, positioned over a grave that was not fresh but was not old. Dickerson said the grass had not grown to cover the grave.

“Upon further investigation and talking with Sheriff Tommy Wilhite of Union County, he advised me his department had been looking for this person. She had become somewhat depressed, was thought to have taken pills, and friends and family had reason to believe she was experiencing depression,” Dickerson said.

According to friends and family, Shaw had made numerous visits to the grave in prior days at the cemetery, Dickerson said. She had apparently driven there in the pickup of a friend which was parked on a cemetery road nearby.

Shaw had been shot once in the head, Dickerson said.

Marshall County Ambulance Service was called to the scene and then Hospital Wings came and airlifted Shaw to the Memphis Med where she died around 8:30 p.m., Dickerson said.

Although the investigation into Shaw’s death continues, Dickerson said no evidence of foul play has turned up.

“We highly believe the wound was self-inflicted, and are looking for possible witnesses who may have seen anything,” he said.

“We collected a pack of cigarettes and lighter and found several cigarette butts which indicated Shaw had probably pondered at the grave prior to the incident,” Dickerson said.

She was found upon the grave and a .380 caliber handgun was lying near her right shoulder, the sheriff said.

Marshall County coroner John Garrison said Monday he has ordered an autopsy.

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