MONROE — The Sevier County Sheriff's Office is investigating the homicide of a 77-year-old Monroe man who was found dead on the side of Watts Mountain Road.
James Lawton was last seen alive when he and his son William Lawton, age 30, left their home around 11 p.m. Saturday, officials said.
William Lawton arrived home at 2 a.m. Sunday and told police that he and his father had been assaulted. Sevier County sheriff's deputies later found the body of James Lawton in the bushes beside the road. Evidence at the scene suggests a struggle took place, officials said.
Investigators have named William Lawton as a person of interest.
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