Sullivan County-Indiana State Police Detectives from the Putnamville Post, along with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a retired Sullivan County farmer at his rural home at 10447 West County Road 350 North, Merom, IN.

The deceased victim is 85-year-old Lowell R. Badger. His family has been notified.

Preliminary investigation revealed the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the victim’s son at 9:23 this morning reporting the death. The son was making a routine visit when he discovered his deceased father. The victim was found fully clothed on his bedroom floor and displayed obvious signs of trauma. Electronics and other items appear to have been taken from the residence.

The Indiana State Police is requesting anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area between the hours of 8:00 p.m. on December 7 and 9:23 this morning, to contact ISP detectives at the Putnamville Post, 765-653-4114.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, December 10th , 8:00 a.m. at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by Dr. Roland Kohr.

Additional information may be released at the conclusion of the autopsy or when deemed appropriate. No other information will be released at this time.

The lead investigator is ISP Detective Tom Hanks. Assisting were ISP Crime Scene Investigator Sergeant Kris Fitzgerald, multiple ISP detectives, Sullivan County Sheriff Brian Kinnett and deputies, Sullivan County Deputy Coroner Rick Weaver, Sullivan County Prosecutor Bob Hunley, Sullivan County EMS and Turman Township Fire/Rescue.

Please direct inquiries to ISP Sergeant Joe Watts.