By Bonnie Culverhouse

A body discovered in a wooded area off Auction Barn Road in Minden has been identified as 26-year-old Daniel Merritt. He was reported missing Tuesday.

Chief Jared McIver said Minden police were notified around noon Sunday of a location where they could find Merritt’s body.

“It is a homicide investigation for sure,” McIver said Monday. “We worked all night long and are still working this morning, along with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police Crime Lab investigators. The crime scene investigators finished up about six this morning.”

McIver said an autopsy will be required in order to determine exact cause of death.

“We do have leads, and we are in the process of elimination right now,” said the chief. “We’re moving pretty quickly on it. We are working around the clock until we nab the suspect.”

ORIGINAL STORY

Minden Police say a body has been discovered in a wooded area off Auction Barn Road in Minden near the rodeo arena on Pine Street.

“We are investigating this as a homicide,” said Minden Police Chief Jared McIver around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  “It was discovered late today.”

When asked who discovered the body, McIver said they are looking at “everyone.” It is possibly linked to a missing persons report.

“It is now by process of elimination,” he said. “We’ve got to process the scene and get all our resources together. It’s in the early stages.”

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said his deputies were asked to assist in securing the area.

“This may wind up being the missing person,” he said, referring to a local man who had been missing for more than a week.

If you have any information relating to this case, please contact Minden Police at 318-377-1212.

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