The local coroner has confirmed that the word “Fed” had been written on Bill Sparkman’s chest when he was found dead earlier this month.
Jim Trosper, the Clay County coroner, confirmed the information to TPMmuckraker moments ago, adding that the word appeared to have been written in felt tip marker. He declined to give additional details.
An anonymous source had told the AP earlier this week that the word had been written on Sparkman’s chest, setting off speculation that the Census worker had been killed in an act of anti-government sentiment. But the FBI and state police had tried to put a damper on that notion yesterday, telling reporters that the AP story contained errors, and that Sparkman was touching the ground, not hanging, when found.
Authorities have said Sparkman died of asphyxiation, but have still not officially ruled his death a homicide.