Tennessee: DA says man's death was "elaborate suicide"

KINGSTON, Tenn. — The Roane County prosecutor says the death of a man whose body was found in a woods fire killed himself in an "elaborate suicide."

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported the man was identified as Victor Gordon.

The newspaper quoted District Attorney General Russell Johnson who said Gordon apparently used bungee cords to fire a shotgun. The pellets struck him in the head. Johnson said the man had used starter logs to ignite a fallen tree in the woods behind his home near the Roane-Loudon county line.

A gun and elastic cords were found at the scene.

Gordon's wife called 911 Monday night to report a fire about a quarter-mile behind her house.

Johnson said a preliminary cause of death finding by Roane County Medical Examiner Dr. William Bennett states it was suicide.

An autopsy has been ordered.