The continuing investigation into the death of Marion resident Pete Howard could potentially lead to murder charges, officials in the Perry County Sheriff’s office said Tuesday morning.

Howard was found dead alongside County Road 35 in the early hours of Monday morning after having been missing since the previous Friday. Sheriff’s deputies said the body was found approximately “one and a half miles to the left” of 35 while traveling south from Marion.

The discovery was made near the intersection of county roads 38 and 35 near the small Perry County community of Norman, approximately six miles north of the Perry-Dallas county border.

Further details of the case have remained sketchy. No arrests have yet been made in the case nor any warrants issued, and deputies said that the investigation, led by Perry County Sheriff James Hood, was ongoing throughout the day Tuesday.

The official cause of Howard’s death also has yet to be determined. However, Sgt. Carlton Hogue confirmed that the Sheriff’s office believes that “foul play is involved.” Hogue declined further comment, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Deputies also declined to confirm if the investigation had yet produced any suspects, although comments made to the Times Monday indicated that individuals with possible information on the case had been brought in for questioning.

“They are still investigating at this time,” said Hogue.

Howard was confirmed as being 66 years old at the time of his death.