Census worker Bill Sparkman, who tragically died this November, may have staged his suicide to look like a murder. His body was found naked and bound, and was hanging from a tree. The word “Fed” was written across his chest. There was duct tape over his eyes and his neck, and he was gagged.

Originally, investigators believed that Sparkman may have been the victim of anti-government sentiment. However, after all of the data have been gathered, the authorities now believe that he committed suicide.

Sparkman had recently taken out two separate term life insurance policies before his death. These policies precluded suicide as a cause of death. If the worker had been killed on the job, he would have been able to receive a death gratuity payment from his employer, the government, of up to $10,000.

The Kentucky State Police released a statement indicating that the only DNA evidence found in the handling of key pieces of evidence was Sparkman, and that there was no trace of any involvement by anyone else. In addition, Sparkman was found touching the ground. In order to stop the hanging, he would only have needed to stand up.

Also according to the police statement, Sparkman had talked about ending his own life and frequently discussed how many people in his community had a negative attitude about federal authorities.

Sparkman was the father of Josh Sparkman, 20, who was named beneficiary in the life insurance policy his father had purchased. Law enforcement officials believe that the elder Sparkman manipulated the scene in order to conceal his suicide and make it possible for Josh Sparkman to make a life insurance claim.

Josh Sparkman is convinced that his father was murdered, as he stated that some items have been stolen from his car. Among the items stolen include Sparkman’s census worker computer.

Bill Sparkman’s body had no defensive wounds, and it appeared that his hands, while bound, were still mobile. Authorities believe that he could have manipulated the rope, and cite the closeness of the body to the ground to suggest that the crime was staged.

Josh Sparkman is listed as Bill Sparkman’s heir in his will, updated in 1993. He’s also listed as the beneficiary on Bill Sparkman’s term life insurance policies. The home the two lived in is listed as being valued at $80,000, and Josh Sparkman has said he remains behind on some bill payments.