Sheriff Jones: Suspect in alleged Salem sex abuse dies by suicide as warrant served

LEE COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — A man suspected in an alleged sexual abuse case died Tuesday evening from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound as investigators with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrived and knocked on his door to serve a search warrant at his home.

Sheriff Jay Jones says the incident happened around 8:30 p.m. at a residence along Lee Road 2222 in Salem on Nov. 4th. Jones says Investigators knocked on the door and announced their presence before hearing a gunshot from inside the home. Deputies entered and found a male deceased in a back room with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The search warrant was connected to an ongoing sexual assault investigation. Opelika Police are now leading the investigation.

Earlier Tuesday evening, around 7 p.m., deputies were called to the Salem area for an unrelated incident involving a domestic disturbance on Lee Road 831. Sheriff Jones says the man involved allegedly tried to set a vehicle on fire before fleeing. Deputies located the suspect and attempted a traffic stop. After a short pursuit, the truck stopped near Lee Roads 240 and 241, where the 54-year-old driver apparently shot himself.

Sheriff Jones emphasized deputies never drew or fired their weapons in either incident.

Seriff Jones says the two death investigations are unrelated.

Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton will release the names of the deceased once next of kin have been notified.