Monday, June 05, 2000
Trucker mad the night he died
Body found later in parking lot
By Reid Forgrave
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MONROE — Truck driver Eddie Case stumbled into Bishop's Truck Service here at 3 a.m. Saturday. He thought someone had stolen his brand new white semi, witnesses said, and was in a foul mood.
Three hours later, Mr. Case, 42, was found lying in an empty parking spot between two semis in the nearby Stony Ridge Truck Plaza parking lot.
He was dead, apparently run over by a truck.
“There's a lot of pieces we are still trying to get together,” said Sgt. P.J. McQueen of the Monroe Police Department. No arrests have been made, and the investigation of Mr. Case's death continues.
When Mr. Case entered the building, night watchman Leon Bishop was chatting with a couple. Mr. Case asked whether they knew where his truck was — then began acting belligerent, Mr. Bishop said. He threw a punch, profanely told the woman to shut up three times and struck a water cooler.
“He was just mad at the world,” said Mr. Bishop, who ushered Mr. Case outside. He continued his tirade at the Stony Ridge Truck Plaza, where a fuel-desk clerk called police. When police arrived, Mr. Case had disappeared. Police received another call from the fuel desk at 6 a.m., this time to investigate what appeared to be a dead man in the parking lot.
Dr. Warren Young, Warren County coroner, said it appeared Mr. Case was killed after a semi ran him over, but police have not determined the exact circumstances. The autopsy and toxicology reports were not complete.
Police and eyewitness reports indicate Mr. Case was acting as if he were intoxicated. However, a family friend in his hometown of New Market, Tenn., said Mr. Case avoided drinking.
When told of reports of his belligerent behavior, Crystal Woods, who had known him for 10 years, said: “That doesn't sound like Eddie.
“He was my buddy, just a sweet and lovable guy.”
Ms. Woods said Mr. Case had withdrawn $150 from his bank account on Friday — but police found only $1 on him early Saturday morning.
Mr. Bishop said he had spoken with a man who had encountered Mr. Case passed out in the parking lot. The man tried to help him, but Mr. Case threw a punch at him. Mr. Bishop said the man told him that he gave Mr. Case “a good whipping.”
Sgt. McQueen confirmed there was a scuffle in the parking lot, but he was unsure of the specifics.
Retiring teachers share memories
New highway spurs speeders
New road closures begin today
Cicada's life short, sweet
Searching for birds' best spots
Anglers can cast until dawn
Hotel geared to race fans
Trucker mad the night he died
Vandals knock WCIN off air
KIESEWETTER: Carol Burnett likes to engage her audience
GET TO IT
Kenny G's dull jazz pleases fans
Pig Parade: The Simple Truth
27 years is enough for chief
Auction of guns draws criticism
City makes room for more salt
Dayton increase in arson rate mystifying
Funding sought for addition to trail
Hatfields, McCoys try to bury stereotypes
Middletown wants cable TV input
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Results of our news poll
Some counties still lack 911
Students hold out for best deal
Students realize man's dream
Tristate Digest
