State Police detectives are investigating a man’s death in Orange County, and are asking for the public’s assistance.
Tuesday, a concerned family member of 66-year old James A. Bryson of French Lick asked the French Lick Police Department to conduct a welfare check at Bryson’s residence, as family had not had contact with him for two days.
French Lick officers went to the residence at 11387 West County Road 50 South, and found that all doors and windows were locked, with no signs of forced entry.
After numerous attempts to make contact with anyone inside, French Lick police forced their way into the home, finding Bryson dead inside.
State Police investigators were asked to assist with the investigation after 2:00 P.M. Tuesday.
Detectives currently suspect foul play caused Bryson’s death.
According to Sergeant Philip Hensley, “Police are not releasing the condition the body was found in, nor the reasons as of right now that we suspect foul play for two reasons. One, we do not yet have a final determination of the cause of death by the coroner’s office. Two, as we are actively seeking further information into this case, we hope to use this information in developing and cultivating possible suspects, should that be necessary.”
Asked if police think Bryson knew the killer, “We believe that is certainly a possibility, as there was no forced entry to the residence and the doors and windows were locked upon arrival of police.”
Hensley confirmed the victim had no prior criminal history and no no history of dealings with law enforcement.
Hensley said Bryson lived at the residence with his sister, who was out of town visiting family for Christmas.
An autopsy was conducted on Bryson this morning, but the cause of death has not yet been determined by the coroner’s office.
Detectives are asking that anyone with information about Bryson’s whereabouts from Christmas Eve until yesterday afternoon, or any other pertinent information, contact the Jasper Post of the Indiana State Police by dialing 812-482-1441.
