An Adair County man was found dead late Wednesday night, September 26, at the Tarter Gate Company in Dunnville, according to state police, and prompted a murder investigation by state and local authorities that continued as of press time.

The body of Wendell Pyles, 50, of Columbia, was found just after 10 p.m. eastern time. He had been shot in the head, according to authorities.

State police were notified at 10:04 p.m. eastern time by the Casey County Dispatch that a body had been found at the Tarter Gate Company off of U.S. 127 in Casey County.

Foul play is suspected by police. State police are asking that if anyone saw any suspicious vehicles, persons or activity around 10 p.m. eastern in the vicinity of Tarter Gate on U.S. 127 to contact them at 1-800-222-5555.

Callers may remain anonymous. Troopers and detectives from State Police Post 15 in Columbia are continuing their efforts into the death investigation and additional details will be released at a later time.