Sheriff Probes Death Near Coffeeville

Officials remove the body of Randal “Tiny” Martin from his home on County Road 89 just north of Coffeeville around 9 p.m. Sunday after Coroner Ronnie Stark (left) pronounced him dead. Sheriff Lance Humphreys (in doorway) is awaiting the results of an autopsy before concluding his investigation.

By David Howell
Editor

COFFEEVILLE – The Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of a 70 year-old man who was found dead in his chair after an altercation with a 16 year-old family member.

    Randal “Tiny” Martin was pronounced dead at his residence on County Road 89, just outside Coffeeville according to Yalobusha County Coroner Ronnie Stark.

    “We are waiting on the autopsy results to determine the cause of death,” Stark added. Sheriff Lance Humphreys reported that his department received a 911 call just after 7 p.m. Sunday night from a neighbor who reported a disturbance at Martin’s residence.

    “When deputies arrived, EMS was already on the scene,” Humphreys told the Herald.

    Humphreys said the investigation was not “cut and dried” as authorities were working to determine if the altercation caused Martin’s death.

    “He had serious respiratory problems and was oxygen dependent,” Humphreys said. Autopsy results will likely be the driving factor in determining the cause of Martin’s death, according to the sheriff.

    If there is sufficient evidence the suspect could be turned over to youth court, the sheriff added.

    “We have been in contact with District Attorney John Champion who advised that youth court will have jurisdiction over this case if the investigation reveals there was foul play,” Humphreys explained.