By Keith Upchurch
The Herald-Sun
DURHAM, N.C. — A retired Durham city firefighter found dead July 9 in his West Durham home died of “homicidal blunt force trauma to the head,” an autopsy by the state medical examiner’s office concludes.
The report, released Monday, said 74-year-old Donnie Watson had a large skull fracture and multiple cuts to his scalp and face. In addition to the “massive blunt force injuries, there were a few incised wounds (sharp force injuries) to the neck and scalp,” the report states.
Watson, who worked for the Durham Fire Department from 1959 to 1992, was found dead in his home at 4424 Regis Ave.
According to the report, Watson’s body was found in a spare bedroom by a coworker after he did not report for work. Watson operated a towing company.
“There were no signs of forced entry into the house, and [there was] a trail of blood from the door through the hallway to the spare bedroom,” the report states. “One of a set of two heavy crystal candlesticks was missing and found on the floor. A glass table near the bedroom was partially shattered.”
Durham police seized firearms, two bullet fragments and candlesticks while executing a search warrant at the home in August. Investigators also removed lighter fluid, a broken figurine, a bank bag, checkbook, false teeth and a yellow hat.
They also seized wood flooring, a door, broken glass, cell phone, answering machine, ticket, shoes, ceramic pieces and a photo of Watson.
Police said they found his body in a large pool of blood following an apparent struggle.
They ruled the death a homicide, and have made no arrest.
Watson was well-known in the community, and operated Biggs & Watson Wrecker Service on Harvest Street in East Durham with his wife, with whom he lived in the Spring Valley subdivision off Sparger Road, near the Orange County line.
Meanwhile, friends are organizing a fundraiser they hope will provide a $10,000 reward to find Watson’s killer.
The fundraiser will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at The American Legion Post 7 at 406 E. Trinity Ave. Chicken dinners will be sold for $8, and entertainment will include a car show, music, magic show and auction.
Copyright 2012 The Durham Herald Co.
All Rights Reserved