Thursday, September 2, 2004


Saved from : http://www.thenewsstar.com/localnews/html/B4D9E010-5005-4EBD-B0CB-615EF8E8A57E.shtml




Man in trunk died trying to break in

September 2, 2004
 
Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley announced today that thorough
investigation had determined that Eddie Hayes's death was accidental.

The Union Parish Sheriffs Office, Union Parish Coroner's Office and a
forensic pathologist in Little Rock conducted the investigation.

The investigation revealed that Hayes apparently used a screwdriver to
open the trunk of his alleged girlfriend's car that was parked in the
Pilgrim's Pride parking lot.

After entering the trunk area and while apparently attempting to enter
the interior of the Chrysler, the trunk closed trapping the Union Parish
resident inside.

Outside temperatures during the time that Hayes, 35, was trapped in the
trunk were in the mid-90s, but the inside temperature was much higher,
according to a statement from Buckley.

Physical evidence found in the vehicle indicated that the screwdriver,
which was recovered in the trunk area near the body, was used to enter
the trunk.

Investigators used the recovered screwdriver to duplicate actions they
believe the victim took to manipulate the trunk locking mechanism.

Investigators also determined that the trunk on the vehicle would close
easily on its own with very little movement of the vehicle, and that
there was no emergency latch on the inside of the trunk to open it from
the inside.

Dr. Frank Perceti, the forensic pathologist, also indicated there was no
evidence of foul play.

The investigation is complete.
 
(c)The News-Star
September 2, 2004