On Saturday, January 15, 2005, while investigating a report of vandalism in Taylor, Mississippi, the Yoknapatawpha County Sheriff's Department found a severed head inside a bucket, which was located alongside Taylor Creek, just over 11 miles southwest of Oxford.

In addition, Sheriff's Officers also found evidence of vandalism at an adjacent location. Apparently, alcohol, fire and at least one farm animal were involved in the vandalism.

To catch up on the details, view the Case Summary.

• View video excerpt of interview with Jimmy Riddle, former boyfriend of Denise Hartigan.
• View Action News TV report on developments in the case

• View press report, "Local family tragedy comes to violent end"

• View report on K-9 unit's search of Hartigan property
• View detectives' supplemental report, #065
• View detectives' supplemental report, #064
• View letter found in black suitcase
• View detectives' final supplemental report, #068
• View coroner's preliminary autopsy report, victim #1
• View coroner's preliminary autopsy report, victim #2

• View follow up interview with Alicia Hartigan, victim's mother