Hoping to provide long-needed peace of mind for a local family, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office has reopened a nearly 32-year-old cold case.
Sheriff Jackie Matheny, Jr., and WCSO Chief Investigator Jason Rowland are seeking assistance from the public in gathering new information regarding the July, 1993, death of James Douglass “Doug” Nelson.
Nelson, who was 23 at the time of his death, was found lying a short distance off the side of Hwy. 56 near Delores’ Market in the early morning hours of July 16, 1993. The initial investigation by the WCSO – then under the leadership of Sheriff Mason Black – revealed Nelson had died as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle. The severity of Nelson’s internal injuries, as well as evidence found on the body, all appeared to be consistent with that conclusion.
Sheriff’s office records note a call came in to dispatch during the night of July 15, 1993, stating a male subject had been seen walking in the road in that vicinity, although no pedestrians were found when deputies responded. Additionally, witness statements at the time described at least two people with flashlights in the area where Nelson’s body was eventually found the following morning. Nelson’s sister, Betty Minton, told the Southern Standard in its July 18 edition her brother had asked to be dropped off at the top of Moose Lodge Hill, and he was walking to “meet someone.”
“That was so unusual,” Minton said at the time. “We don’t know who he was meeting.”
Evidence gathered at the scene, and provided to the Southern Standard during a meeting with Matheny and Rowland Friday, showed skid marks visible in the road where Nelson was struck.
“It appears the driver of the vehicle did stop, moved Mr. Nelson’s body, and left the scene,” Matheny said, noting no vehicle was ever located despite multiple man-hours spent searching and questioning potential witnesses.
“Unfortunately, it has been several years since law enforcement has received any leads or information regarding this incident.”
Anyone who may have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Nelson’s death is encouraged to contact either Matheny or Rowland at (931) 473-7863.
“Mr. Nelson’s family deserves closure regarding the loss of their son, brother and family member,” Matheny said. “There will be no case too old for my office to take the time to investigate, if we can help bring justice to a victim and their family.”
