DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said an autopsy on the body of Billy Junior Shaw is complete, and investigators are now awaiting the results before moving forward with the apparent homicide case.

The body was exhumed last Wednesday afternoon, after DeKalb County authorities had received information that Shaw apparently did not die of natural causes.

Investigators found Shaw dead, alone in his home on April 22nd of last year , an autopsy was not performed at the time. The body was exhumed from Fuller Cemetery in Ider, and transported to the Huntsville Forensic Lab where Dr. Emily Ward performed an autopsy ….the body was returned the following day to its grave. A preliminary report is expected soon.

Sheriff Harris says investigators are continuing to interview people possibly involved in the case, stating that authorities have a person or persons of interest but would not release any names. He added that they hope to make an arrest soon.

According to District Attorney Mike O’Dell the last time a body was exhumed in the area was in Cherokee County in the late 1960’s.

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