No. 6: Man slain in home; 3 suspects remain at large

LEIGHTON - Law enforcement officials continue their efforts to find three people responsible for fatally shooting a Leighton man in November during a home invasion.

Harry James Ricks Sr., 41, was killed by a single gunshot after the men broke into his home at 1715 Gate Six Road just after 1 a.m. Nov. 25.

Ricks was attempting to get help for his wife and daughter, who witnessed the shooting, deputies said.

The deadly home invasion - an unusual occurrence in the Shoals - was voted the sixth top news story for 2008 in a TimesDaily newsroom poll.

Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May said his department has been working tirelessly since the shooting to develop leads. So far, the effort has been fruitless.

"We're still getting information into the office that we've been sifting through, and we'll continue to do so until something concrete turns up," May said.

Ricks' wife and daughter were bound with duct tape and plastic ties. Authorities said they believe the three people who invaded the home knew the victim's family.

The sheriff said the men made reference to members of Ricks' family as they were demanding money. The men were wearing dark clothing, ski masks and gloves, according to authorities. They were carrying flashlights and handguns.

Authorities said the family members were asleep when they heard someone kick in the front door of the residence.

Investigators believe robbery was the motive.

The sheriff said one of the men got into a discussion with the victim and asked where the family had its money hidden.

"The wife told them that all of the money they had was in the bank, but one individual was apparently very insistent that there was a large sum of money in the house," the sheriff said.

At some point, with the wife and daughter in the back tied up, Ricks told the robbers that everything they had was under a bed in a box, authorities said.

"As one of the men went to the edge of the bed, the victim made a break for the front door and was shot," May said.

Investigators said Ricks' body fell near the couch in the living room.

May said none of the men said anything after the shot was fired and all three left immediately. He said only one shot was fired. The sheriff said nothing was taken during the home invasion.

"Apparently, there was nothing under the bed. Mr. Ricks apparently told them what he did in an attempt to distract them so he could make a break for it and get help," May said.