Body found in Slayden identified

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a Slayden resident after his body was found near his residence at 138 North Slayden Road, according to Sheriff Kenny Dickerson.

Investigators were on the scene around 12 noon Monday, Feb. 3, after a call to the area to investigate a body.

Dickerson said deputies found the deceased body of William Keith Allen, 53, lying face up near a white van parked at the rear of a mobile home.

Allen appeared to have been deceased for several days, according to coroner James Richard Anderson, Dickerson said.

Allen’s body was discovered by a neighbor, who told the coroner and deputies he found the body after hearing gunshots in the area earlier in the day.

Dickerson said the gunshots in no way could have caused Allen’s death, because it was determined by the coroner Allen’s body had been in the position for several days at a minimum.

Allen was identified by his driver’s license.

Dickerson said there possibly was a wound beneath Allen’s chin area that could have been caused by a blunt object.

The scene around the body was searched thoroughly by deputies. After discussion with the coroner, Dickerson said it was agreed that an autopsy was needed and Allen’s body was sent to the state medical examiner for autopsy.

“Numerous inquiries from friends and relatives revealed several days had passed since hearing from or talking with Allen,” the sheriff said. “Anyone having information believed to be relevant to the case is encouraged to call us at the Marshall County Sheriff’s office at 662-252-1311.”