By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 17, 2001
NEWTON Newton County officials said Tuesday they believe a body found in a remote wooded area two weeks ago is that of a man reported missing since mid-September.
Newton County Sheriff Jackie Knight said medical examiners in Jackson believe the body is that of 29-year-old Willie Scott. Examiners used dental records obtained from the Southern Mississippi Correctional Facility in Leakesville to identify the body.
Knight said investigators are working the case to develop suspects and a motive for the apparent homicide. The body was shot once in the back of the head and once in the jaw area, he said.
Knight said the clothing description that witnesses gave authorities when reporting Scott's disappearance also matches the clothing found on the body.
Knight classified the case a homicide a day after a dog bought home a human arm on Oct. 2.