Victim identified in Monday death investigation

A Williamsburg man, who was found dead inside a building only a few hundred yards from the Tennessee state line, has been identified but so far police are releasing few other details about the case.

Kentucky State Police investigators were still on the scene as of 7 p.m. Monday investigating the death of a Williamsburg man, who was found dead inside a building Monday morning near the state line.

The victim has officially been identified as Billy Ray Lawson, 45, of Williamsburg.

Whitley County Coroner Andy Corley pronounced the victim dead shortly after noon Monday inside a building that is located at 12076 US25W.

“It is suspicious,” KSP spokesperson Lloyd Cochran confirmed.

The red building, where Lawson’s body was found, is located on a hill near the Red Ace, which is located along US25W near Jellico.

KSP and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department were notified about the incident about 11:39 a.m. Monday.

The location has previously been used as a car lot and a tobacco shack among other functions. Its current use is unknown.

Gorman Wilson, whose niece was Lawson’s wife, said that Lawson has lived in the area most of his life.

“He was a real good guy. He was a short order cook a lot of the time,” Wilson said.

Lawson formerly worked at Wendy’s and Highland Park Drive-In.

“He kept to himself pretty much,” Wilson said. “He was a good fella and a good father.”

Over half a dozen KSP officers were at the scene investigating Monday in addition to Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies John Hill and Brandon Prewitt.

Further updates will be made as information becomes available.