Body found in McMinn barn identified

ATHENS —  Authorities this afternoon released the identity of a man whose body was found in the burned remains of a hay barn on Thursday.

McMinn Sheriff Steve Frisbie said Ashley Martin, 31, apparently was living in the upper floor of the barn on County Road 658. He said the barn was owned by members of Mr. Ashley’s family and the upper area had some furniture along with propane and kerosene space heaters.

The fire was reported Thursday morning. The body was found later in the afternoon.

The sheriff said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Bomb and Arson Squad are assisting with the investigation, but investigators don’t believe the fire was suspicious.

See Saturday’s Times Free Press for complete coverage.