Investigation underway in shooting death

Authorities continue to investigate a shooting along State Road 37 that led to the death of a Monroe County Sheriff's Correctional Officer early Tuesday morning.\nWilliam T. Brand, 39, was southbound on Indiana 37 at about 1:45 a.m. when he was struck by a bullet fired from a passing car, officials said. \nHis vehicle, a 1997 Ford F-150, went off the road and struck a limestone embankment near Zikes Road southwest of Smithville, Ind., according to police reports. Officials with the Monroe County Coroner's Office pronounced him dead at the scene.\nA witness to the crash told police they saw a late-model sedan passing the F-150 as the vehicle went off the highway.\nBrand had left his job as a county jailer at the Monroe County Jail about a half-hour earlier. He was apparently en route to his home in Bedford, authorities believe. Police are now trying to piece together what might have happened during that 30-minute period -- and what might have led to the shooting.\n"We really don't have an idea what happened," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts.\nAn autopsy performed Tuesday at Terre Haute Regional Hospital noted Brand had been struck by the bullet. Police have not released what caused his death, saying it is being withheld to "assist investigators working the case," according to a statement released by the Indiana State Police. \nPolice say they need the assistance of the community.\n"We're wanting the public's help," Watts said. "If they've seen something or if they think they might have seen something, we need them to call us." \nAccording to The Herald-Times, a murder occurred at a home near the intersection of Indiana 37 and Zikes Road in April 2004. Russell Elliott, 74, was found dead of gunshot wounds, according to the newspaper article. Firefighters initially responded to a fire at the residence. That homicide remains unsolved.\nWatts was cautious when discussing the two situations.\n"There's no reason at this time to believe these are related. We don't want to cause panic," he said. "But, at the same time, we need people to be vigilant. If they see or hear something suspicious, contact us." \nThe Indiana State Police are investigating the homicide with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Anyone with information should contact ISP Detective Brad Ayers at 1-800-423-1286. \n-- Contact Staff Writer Scott \nLawson at scmlawso@indiana.edu.