James Appleton, 59, was found dead in his vehicle on Gann Ridge Road near Garfield on February 23, 2017, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Appleton, a Gateway water department employee known in the community, had been on the phone with his brother-in-law, Gateway Mayor Andrew Tillman, and mentioned a car speeding down the road and then stopping near his vehicle before the call abruptly disconnected.

A witness later reported seeing a white sedan behind Appleton’s truck, hearing a loud noise, and finding Appleton slumped over with the gunshot wound. Investigators arrested 48-year-old Grant Hardin, a former police chief and constable, charging him initially with capital murder. In October 2017 Hardin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder under a plea agreement and was sentenced to 30 years with 10 years suspended; he expressed remorse at sentencing but did not give a specific motive.

Appleton’s death stunned the small community where he was well known for his work. If anyone knew James, saw activity on Gann Ridge Road that day, or has information about what led to this killing, please share tips with investigators.