Sheriff: Home-invasion suspects knew victims

TUSCUMBIA - The three people who broke into a Leighton house Tuesday morning and killed a man apparently knew the victim's family, authorities said.

Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May said the men made reference to family members of Harry James Ricks Sr. as they were demanding money.

Ricks, 41, was shot once in the side of the head as he tried to escape and get help for his wife and daughter, who were tied up with duct tape and plastic ties.

"They seemed to know his family," May said, declining to disclose additional information about what was said during the house invasion.

That could be helpful information as sheriff's investigators continue to search for the three men who broke into Ricks' home at 1715 Gate Six Road about 1 a.m. Tuesday.

Investigators still were awaiting an autopsy report late Wednesday. They hope the autopsy will determine what caliber of bullet and brand of handgun was used to shoot Ricks.

In the meantime, all of the department's investigators are following up on information that has been called into the sheriff's office and Crimestoppers.

"People in the community obviously thought a lot of (Ricks) and they have been calling us to report things they've heard since the shooting," May said. "We're following up on all of that information. We've eliminated several possible suspects today and we're working our way through the information that has been called in.

"Usually, in cases of this nature, it's information that you get from the community that ends up solving the case. We're still very much interested in any information people may know or have heard about."

Investigators also are checking with other law enforcement agencies in northwest Alabama to determine if they are working on home invasion cases that are similar to the one that led to Ricks' death.

The three men who broke into the house were wearing dark clothing, ski masks and gloves, according to authorities. They were carrying flashlights and handguns.

Florence police investigators are working several home-invasion cases, but it was unclear Wednesday whether any of those are related to the Colbert County case.

May said the first two or three days after a homicide often are critical to solving the case.

"In probably 90 percent or more of the cases, you get information during the first 48 or 72 hours that ultimately leads you to the people responsible," May said. "That doesn't mean you make the arrest during that time or that cases don't get solved with information you get after that period, but that is a crucial time frame."

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 383-0741.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.