A man who was part of Gainesville's homeless community was found dead Monday, and now another man in the city's homeless population has been charged with the death.
Lt. Kevin Holbrook with the Gainesville Police Department said Leon Hines, 66, was found just before 7 p.m. Oct. 18 near the railroad tracks in the area of Georgia Avenue and Industrial Boulevard.
"He had what appeared to be trauma to his head and/or hands," Holbrook said. "Medical personnel on the scene attempted to provide medical care, however he was pronounced deceased on scene."
Holbrook said investigators considered Hines' death to be suspicious and his body was taken for autopsy to determine the cause of death.
"The preliminary investigation did not rule out foul play, but we had to wait [on the medical examiner] to determine the exact manner of death," Holbrook said.
As investigators waited, they conducted interviews and processed forensic evidence. When results of the autopsy were released on Thursday, Oct. 21 - saying the cause of death was homicide - Holbrook said they already had a suspect in the case.
"We do have Dexter [Barnard] Pulliam, 51 years of age from Gainesville, Ga., in custody. He was named as a suspect early on in the case," Holbrook said.
Pulliam was arrested Friday, Oct. 22 on a charge of felony malice murder. He remained in the Hall County Jail with no bond.
Holbrook said Pulliam and Hines knew one another.
Holbrook said police investigators believe they have a strong case against Pulliam, but he said they welcome any witnesses to share information with them as the investigation continues.
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish issued a statement, expressing his condolences to those impacted by the crime.
"Any time a member of this community is the victim of a heinous act of violence, it impacts us all. We at the Gainesville Police Department will always be a voice for those who are the victims of such crimes," Parrish said. "The dedicated and passionate members of the Gainesville Police Department worked hard and swiftly to bring justice and closure to this case."
