Local law enforcement investigators have ruled the death of a gay campground employee a murder and are investigating the crime as a “homicide by gunshot.”

On Sept. 8, victim Todd Tumlin was found in the woods off Pulliam Mill Rd. near the site of River’s Edge, a gay campground where Tumlin worked. Tumlin had been reported missing on Aug. 28 and had last been seen in the immediate area.

“A considerable amount of time has been spent in the wooded area by investigators and deputies documenting and collecting evidence,” Elbert County Sheriff Barry Haston said in a release. “In cases such as this patience and waiting on evidence to be properly processed leads to the identification of the person(s) responsible and bring them to justice, but in this case the smoking gun was not readily identified but the smell of smoke is nearby.”

qnotes has been unable to ascertain any further details about the crime from officials with the Elbert County Sheriff’s Department but did speak to one River’s Edge employee who confirmed Tumlin worked at the business. In the release, Haston said he would not be discussing specific evidence or details.

“Sometimes you have to wait and follow the trail of evidence,” Haston said.

Elbert County investigators are seeking assistance from the public and those who might have information regarding the death. Those with information can call the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office at 706-283-2421. The sheriff’s office crime tip hotline can be reached at 706-213-8956.

Originally published by Q Notes.