Authorities have asked the public's help for information after a man was found dead inside his Wilson County home.
The body was discovered around 5:30 p.m. Thursday at a home on Rocky Valley Road in Lebanon.
Officials with the Wilson County Sheriff's Office said the victim was identified as 64-year-old Paul McMahan, who was the homeowner and had lived there for some time.
His death is sparking shock from neighbors.
"It's just a rural area," John Pryor said. "Everybody knows everybody around here. It's just quiet most of the time."
The Wilson County Sheriff said McMahan's wife discovered his body when she returned home from work. Officials have not released how the retired 911 operator was killed.
Due to signs of trauma, however, investigators said they're treating the incident as a homicide.
"[His wife] is devastated," Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan said. "The way the we see it, there were a close couple. They did everything together."
Many people who live in the area said the McMahan's kept to themselves and didn't interact much with neighbors.
"Most everybody knows everybody, but we didn't know them," said Pryor. "I didn't even know there was a house back there until yesterday."
The Sheriff said they were no signs of forced entry into the home. Friday night, authorities were still interviewing family members and other friends. But, they're still looking for help.
“We appreciate any information someone may have regarding anything that may have appeared suspicious or out of place at this address,” Sheriff Robert Bryan said. "Based on the ongoing investigation thus far, this incident appears to be isolated and has not been associated with any other crimes in the area.”
Anyone with information should contact the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office at 615-444-1412 or crime stoppers at 615-444-5245 to remain anonymous.
McMahan's body was sent to the Medical Examiner in Nashville Friday. An official cause of death is expected to be released sometime next week.
