Body found in ditch

A 21-year-old man was found shot to death in Marshall County last week, according to sheriff Kenny Dickerson.

He said the body of DeAundra McNeal, of 130 Valley Road in Moscow, Tenn., was found on Wilburn Road by two farmers as they passed by on their equipment Thursday, Dec. 1, about 10 a.m.

McNeal’s body was lying in a shallow ditch on the remote gravel road, not far from the Benton County line, the sheriff said.

McNeal’s death was ruled a homicide and the manner of death was by multiple gunshot wounds, according to coroner James Richard Anderson. The deceased’s body was sent for an autopsy in Pearl, he said.

Anderson said the call came in to 911 at 9:40 a.m. McNeal had been dead for hours, he said.

McNeal was identified by family members who lived in the Benton County area.

Multiple 9 mm shell casings and projectiles were found near the body, according to Maj. Kelly McMillen, with the sheriff’s department investigative unit.

A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for the shooting, McMillen said.

Tips can be called in anonymously to the sheriff’s department at 662-252-1311 or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-627-2169. All information will be kept strictly confidential.