Probe Continues after Dead Body Is Found in Palestine

PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department continues investigating a case as a homicide after the body of an elderly man was found early Tuesday morning. He is identified as John Jerome Ferles, 81. KETK reports officers from the Palestine Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Longhorn Drive concerning the welfare of a resident there. Police arrived on the scene and found the back door to the residence unsecured. Officers entered the residence to check on the man, he was found dead.

During the initial stages of the investigation police spoke with the victim’s neighbors and learned that the victim had not been seen in several days. It was also learned that the victim’s car was missing from the residence. Police are attempting to locate the vehicle, a 2004 Chevy Impala with Texas license plate # 6ND-CJ. The car is gold or light brown in color.

Ferles was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace James Todd and transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Tyler for an autopsy. Officials say the results of the autopsy will not be released for up to 60 days. The police have talked with several people in the neighborhood. Officers are continuing to follow up several investigative leads at this time. The Palestine PD is being assisted in the homicide investigation by members of the Texas Rangers. Anyone with information concerning this or any other case is asked to call the Palestine Police Department at 903-729-2254 or Crime Stoppers at 903-729-TIPS (8477).