KINGWOOD — The body found in the Cheat River on May 20 has been identified by the Preston County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas Earl Harris was found dead in the Cheat River near the George Washington Highway Bridge in Rowlesburg, according to the department. Harris was a 44-year-old, Black male, 6’2” tall, 210 pounds, with multiple tattoos.
Harris was previously a resident of Oakland, Md., according to the release.
Capt. Travis Tichnell, who is investigating the case, said they are still looking for Harris’ car. He was known to drive a 2007 bronze Dodge Caliber with Maryland license plate number 8EZ1422. A picture of a similar vehicle is available on the sheriff’s Facebook page.
Tichnell wasn’t able to answer whether Harris was actively living in Preston County at the time of his death. He was also unable to say if he had friends or family in the county or if foul play was suspected. He did not release the cause of death.
“Some of it is I can’t answer because the investigation is ongoing and it could hurt the integrity of the investigation. Some of it is we don’t know,” Tichnell said. “So, just to be clear, when I say I can’t answer that – it’s not just because I’m being a jerk or anything – it’s just a matter of … the one thing is finding the truth, and releasing information prior to when it’s pertinent and proper can jeopardize that.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Tichnell at 304-329-1611 or Garrett County Sheriff’s Office Captain Robbie Zimmerman at 301-334-1911.
