POMEROY — The investigation into the suspicious death of James W. Gardner, 67, is continuing according to representatives with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I).

Ohio BCI&I has taken over as the lead agency in the investigation into the Nov. 11 death of Gardner. The unofficial cause of death was blunt force trauma according to Meigs County Sheriff Robert Beegle.

Investigators were searching for the victim’s son, James E. Gardner, just hours after the death. The younger Gardner was wanted for questioning in connection with the case.

BCI&I Representatives would not comment as to if the son had been located, only stating that the investigation continues.

Reports late last week stated that there had been few leads in locating James E. Gardner.

Gardner, 40, was labeled a “person of interest” in the case by Beegle and Prosecutor Colleen Williams in a news release last week.

He was last seen driving a 2001 dark blue Dodge Ram 2500, 4x4, with Ohio license plate FNC8396 crossing into West Virginia on the Silver Memorial Bridge at approximately 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11. At the time there was also a red four-wheeler in the back of the truck.

James E. Gardner is described as a white male with blond hair and green eyes, being six feet tall and approximately 175 pounds.

According to Beegle, there is a warrant for James E. Gardner from Jackson County, Ohio, for the theft of 150 gallons of diesel fuel.

Findings of the BCI&I investigation will be reported to the Meigs County Prosecutor when complete according to the agency.