Autopsy results released for canine unit

Staff report

Results from the autopsy of a canine officer from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department have come in. Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons reports that canine unit Chase died from a gunshot wound.

Chase disappeared on July 16. The body was found along Rt. 606 in the Stone Creek area of Lee County. Chase worked alongside deputy Roger Gates for roughly a year.

Because of the circumstances surrounding the investigation, the sheriff’s office is not revealing the type of gun or location of the injury.

Parsons urges anyone with information about the abduction and murder of Chase to come forward. There is a $7,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the death of Chase.

Several organizations donated money for the reward. Lee County board of supervisors donated $1,000, Farm Bureau Insurance donated $2,500, Bill Gatton Cadillac-Chevrolet donated $2,000, Farmers and Miners Bank donated $1,000 and Powell Valley National Bank donated $500.

Anyone with information can call Parsons at his office at 276-346-7777.

A memorial service for Chase will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Aug.1 in the Lee County High School auditorium. The public is invited.