Rural Birdseye death investigation now a homicide investigation

The Dubois County Sheriff’s Department has determined that the death of a man that occurred near Birdseye was the result of a homicide.

The investigation is still underway and police do not have a suspect. They are asking for help from anyone with information about the incident. If you have information, please contact the department at 812-482-3522 and ask for Det. Sgt. Tom Kleinhelter or another deputy. All calls can remain anonymous.

The Dubois County Coroner Bob Veatch told WITZ AM/FM News that 49-year-old Darin L. Atkins, of Birdseye, suffered a closed head injury and classified the cause of death as blunt force trauma. More details are pending a toxicology report.

The incident began Wednesday at 1:59 p.m. when a 911 call from a female reported a deceased male at a residence on the 3000 block of Harts Gravel Road north of Birdseye. When deputies arrived, they found Atkins deceased.

After responding, deputies secured the scene and took several individuals to the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department. An Indiana State Police Crime Scene Technician was called to the scene.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released as it is made available.