Ky. census worker killed himself, police say

[sabra]

Source: MSNBC/AP

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A census worker found hanging from a tree with the word "fed" scrawled on his chest last September took his own life, police said Tuesday, adding that an inquiry found that he staged his death to look like a homicide.

Bill Sparkman's naked body was found Sept. 12 near a cemetery in a heavily wooded area of southeastern Kentucky. One of the witnesses who found the body in the Daniel Boone National Forest said the 51-year-old was bound with duct tape, gagged and had an identification badge taped to his neck.

Authorities have said "fed" was likely written in pen.

The Associated Press previously reported, citing law enforcement officials who spoke anonymously, that investigators were examining whether Sparkman manipulated the scene in order to conceal a suicide and make a life insurance claim possible for his son. The two law enforcement officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case.

...

Friends and co-workers have said that even while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, Sparkman would show up for work smiling with a toboggan cap to cover his balding head. They said the substitute teacher and part-time census worker cherished the values he learned in his youth as he worked toward becoming an Eagle Scout. They said he was punctual and dependable.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34130128/ns/us_news-life/