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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help in identifying a body found near Alabama Highway 145.

On May 5, investigators found a body in “a hand dug grave” in woods near the area, according to a press release.

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences determined the cause of death to be homicide through an autopsy that was completed on May 10.

“Investigators are asking for the public’s help in order to identify the victim,” Sheriff John Shearon said in a press release. “The condition of the victim prohibits visual identification, however, based on forensic examination, the victim is believed to be a white male, late 20’s to early 30’s, 5’8″ to 5’9″ in height, average build with dark hair. The victim did have at least one tattoo, which was on the inside on the right forearm. The tattoo is blue with black outline and is possibly of a tropical fish.”

Those with information about the identity of the victim or other information that could be helpful to the investigation are asked to contact Sgt. Jennifer Bland at 205-755-4698 or jennifer.bland@chiltoncountyso.org or give a Crime Tip through the department website chiltoncountyso.org or the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office app.