This story was written in response to a reader question submitted through our Open Source platform. Reader Jenny Burkett asked: May 2nd, 2022 there was a murder at Ariel Foundation Park. Why hasn’t someone been charged? There’s plenty of cameras out there. Anyone who would like to pose a question or offer a story tip should follow this link.
MOUNT VERNON — Nearly nine months have passed, and yet law enforcement has released little information about an incident ruled as a homicide eight months ago at Ariel-Foundation Park.
Readers asked Knox Pages to look into this case and we have followed up with questions for authorities.
According to a Mount Vernon Police report, a deceased male was discovered at the park on May 2, 2022, later identified as Paul Williams. The incident led to an active investigation by the Mount Vernon Police Department.
Williams’ manner of death was ruled as a homicide by a gunshot wound to the head, according to his death certificate.
The time of death is unclear as the certifier, Knox County Corner Jennifer Ogle, documented 11:13 while the time of injury is 18:00 military time.
Knox Pages obtained a recording of the 911 call.
“Ariel-Foundation Park, we have an unresponsive male in a (running) car,” the caller states, later identified as a parks employee.
The incident report also states police were dispatched to 175 S. Norton St. for the body.
Mount Vernon Police Det. Matt Haver and Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville both declined to comment on the matter, saying it’s an active investigation.
