Body of therapist found wrapped in tarpaulin on highway; Deputies are searching for a person of interest

TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WAFB/Gray News) – The body of a well-known therapist in Louisiana was found wrapped in a tarp along a highway. Officers are now searching for a person involved in the “violent attack.”

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said someone discovered the man's body dumped along Highway 51 on Sunday morning.

Officials said 69-year-old Dr. William Nicholas Abraham died from a “violent attack” with blunt force trauma to the head, neck and shoulders, WAFB reported.

“It was a very physical and very violent attack,” said Sheriff Gerald Sticker. “He was struck in the head, shoulders and neck. There was a lot of bruising, what do you know?”

No weapon was found at the scene, but investigators believe the attack occurred elsewhere sometime Saturday.

The doctor's stolen vehicle was recovered Monday afternoon. A person in the vehicle crashed, got out and fled on foot.

This person was not arrested.

Later Monday evening, officials released images of a person of interest. Authorities said the person was seen on surveillance images from the store and was the last known person to drive Abraham's vehicle.

Tangipahoa Parish officials say they are focused on figuring out where the attack occurred.

A search of Abraham's home revealed no evidence that a crime had been committed there.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Tangipahoa Parish Criminal Investigation Bureau at 985-902-2008.

To remain anonymous, tipsters should call the Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com.

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