(MURFREESBORO)  Rutherford County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of Erick Bixler who was found late Sunday (7/26/2020) at his home on Asbury Lane.

Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Division Lt. Todd Sparks said, "The 45-year old man was the apparent victim of a murder."

Sparks said the preliminary investigation indicated Bixler was targeted, The Detective stated,  “We don’t feel like this was a random situation.”

CID Captain Britt Reed said the investigation remains active and detectives are pursuing leads.

Captain Reed commented, “We don’t feel like this act has any connection with anyone in the neighborhood,” Reed said.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about 11:30 Sunday night where they found Bixler’s body.

Detectives requested the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s forensic scientists to process the crime scene.

TBI’s forensic scientists and detectives were on the scene all day Monday (7/27/2020) gathering information.

People who have any leads are encouraged to contact Detective Ty Downing at 615-904-3022.