Published: October 07, 2008 12:31 pm            

Lawmen renewing effort to solve Roger King murder

Pine Knot man was shot in his driveway

PINE KNOT — Ten years after South Kentucky RECC lineman Roger King was gunned down in his driveway as he was leaving for work, local authorities have renewed efforts to solve the case.

The effort comes after The Record published a front page report in its August 19 edition headlined “One Bullet, 10 Years & Zero Answers” about the almost-forgotten mystery involving the death of the popular Pine Knot resident and South Kentucky RECC employee.

Last week reports surfaced that law enforcement had searched certain areas of the former King family farm, located just off Bethel Road and sold shortly after King’s murder. While no new evidence has been recovered, Kentucky State Police Detective Billy Correll confirmed that officers have met with family members and are exploring any and all possibilities which could lead to a break in the case that has impacted the heart of this community.

King was found in his RECC truck on the morning of August 24, 1998, with the driver’s side window partially rolled down. He had been shot with a .32 caliber gun at close range.

“It has been 10 years and we want to take a more aggressive approach to bring closure to the family,” Det. Correll told The Record. “The Kentucky State Police and McCreary County Sheriff’s Office are exploring several avenues to solve this case, including new interviews and locations which may or may not have been examined during the initial investigation.”

When asked if that includes an exhumation of King’s body, Det. Correll acknowledged that possibility has been discussed but could not confirm any plans to actually do so.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact either Kentucky State Police Post 11 at 606-878-6622 or the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office at 376-2322.

        

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