Death Investigation

Questions still linger involving the cause and death of late cattle farmer Brian McClain. The local community and other local officials and agencies have expressed growing concern into the depth and quality to which this investigation was performed.

SYNOPSIS

“I was dispatched to 596 Waller Cemetery Road reference a self inflicted gunshot wound”-Marshall County Deputy Sheriff.

I/O=Investigating Officer

I/O began immediately taking photos versus rendering aid to a man with shallow breathing.

The firearm used belonged to another person, it was released to that party the very next day, deviating from an evidentiary hold.

In a previous suicide less than 2 years prior to McClain’s death, a 45-year-old man died by gunshot. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office retained the firearm for 60 days, conducted an autopsy, and performed ballistics testing before closing the case (Marshall County Sheriff, 2022, local records). The firearm was returned to the owner only after the coroner's report was finalized.

The report asserts a self-inflicted gunshot wound based on initial observation, but there is no mention of immediate forensic corroboration, such as gunshot residue analysis on Mr. McClain’s hands or trajectory analysis of the bullet. This omission is significant, as such evidence is crucial to confirm whether the wound was self-inflicted versus inflicted by another person. Research suggests that forensic analysis is a standard practice in death investigations to rule out foul play.

The I/O took photos instead of rendering aid. One “round” not an empty casing is mentioned. The slide locked back on the Sig Sauer with an empty magazine is unusual as is the unanalyzed blood spatter on pistol. Recreation of Goad’s traveled paths and cellphone records are the only untainted evidence that can be collected as the death scene was heavily contaminated.

The death investigation of Mr. Brian McClain contains multiple red flags, potentially leaving room for doubt about the immediate and hasty suicide conclusion. The spoliation of the crime scene is beyond any reasonable explanation.

The photos mentioned should Immediately be taken into possession by a trusted law enforcement agency outside this area of influence.