TBI continues its investigation into 5-year-old's death

This staff file photo shows the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Nashville.
This staff file photo shows the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Nashville.

Five months later, little information is being released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in the death of 5-year-old Lucas Michael Dillon of Whitwell, Tenn.

Lucas was found "severely injured" on March 28 when authorities got to the home at 395 Jewell Lane, just off State Route 28, but the investigation "is still active and ongoing," TBI spokesman Josh DeVine said Tuesday.

Early autopsy results indicated the boy died of "blunt force trauma" to his head, and the investigation was upgraded from a death investigation to a homicide investigation, authorities said.

"We're still awaiting the full and final autopsy report," DeVine said. "At this point, however, I don't have any additional detail I'm able to offer."

photo State prosecutor Mike Taylor comments on the decision of guilt from Michelle Martin Wednesday outside the Bledsoe County Courthouse.

12th Judicial District Attorney General Mike Taylor said the full autopsy report will dictate the next steps in the case.

"I really don't know why it's taking so long. It seems like when you're dealing with children, it takes longer," Taylor said. The district attorney said pediatric forensics is something of a specialized field of practice, and pathologists often get the opinions of other experts in making determinations in children's deaths.

Taylor said TBI agents have been conducting interviews with anyone who had access to Lucas 24 to 48 hours before his injury.

"As far as I know, they have interviewed everybody who had contact with him," he said. That includes Lucas' father and his father's fianceé. The fianceé made the 911 call to report the boy's injuries to authorities.

It would be premature to speculate [on potential persons of interest]," Taylor said. "Obviously, they are looking at the people who had contact with him, but I'm not saying they zeroed in on any particular person."

The TBI agent on the case has stayed in touch with the boy's biological mother and father, Taylor said. According to obituary information, Lucas' father is Nathan Dillon and his mother is Jessica Van Hoosier. Lucas was laid to rest April 4 at Whitwell Memorial Cemetery.

Taylor said if evidence is found that leads to charges, a grand jury presentation "could be several months down the road."

Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or twitter.com/BenBenton or www.facebook.com/ben.benton1 or 423-757-6569.

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