SO Investigating Discovery of Body

For Immediate Release: April 14th, 2007

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Discovery Of Body

The Hall County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of a body at a residence on Autumn Drive late Friday evening.

Just after 5PM Friday, investigators received an anonymous tip of a possible body at a residence on Autumn Drive. Upon arrival to the residence investigators discovered the body of a badly decomposed black male inside the home.

Investigators believe the body is that of the home owner however investigators have not positively identified the body and are awaiting the comparisons of dental records. An autopsy was performed on the body Saturday afternoon by the Dekalb County Medical Examiners Office. The exact cause of death was not determined largely due of the state of decomposition but no signs of trauma or foul play were found and the death is believed to be the result of natural causes. It appears the man had been dead for least 40 to 60 days.

During the course of the investigation evidence on the scene and information obtained from a neighborhood canvass indicated that the residence had been burglarized during the last few weeks. Evidence led investigators to arrest 44 year old, Eric R. Drayton of Gainesville on two counts of burglary. Drayton is accused of stealing a washer and dryer along with a television set from the residence during two separate burglaries. Drayton’s statements indicate that he was aware of the body inside the residence at the time of the thefts.

Drayton is currently being held at the Hall County Detention Center without bond pending a hearing.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigations Division at 770-531-6879

Eric R. Drayton

The incident remains under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff's Office, Criminal Investigation Division.

Major Jeff Strickland

Commander, Police Services

Hall County Sheriff's Office