BENTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — The “gruesome” murder of a lifelong resident of Benton County is under investigation by local and state authorities.  Timothy Ring was shot and killed on his property in the Lower Big Sandy Road area on Wednesday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) confirms.

Benton County Sheriff Kenny Christopher told Tennessee River Valley News that Ring told his family around noon that he was going to set up a deer stand. After not hearing from him for several hours, Sheriff Christopher said Ring’s family started searching for him. Family called his phone and heard the ringer go off. Ring’s family member found him shot dead near a tree line.

Sheriff Christopher said Ring was shot multiple times at close range. “Knowing Mr. Ring’s background, unless it was somebody that he knew, I don’t think he would’ve let them get that close,” Christopher said. “It was very gruesome…this was very cold-blooded.”  Authorities said Ring’s deer stand was still in his truck when it was found.

Authorities are still gathering leads as the murder remains under investigation. Tips can be called into TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo Credit: ‘Gruesome’ murder under investigation in Benton County (Tennessee River Valley News)