Grand jury could decide charges after man dies tied to tree

Authorities are investigating the death of an alleged burglar after an Alabama homeowner reportedly tied him to a tree, according to WALA-TV.

As reported by Fox News, Johnson, the homeowner in question, had set up a trap in an endeavor to stop the string of burglaries at his mobile home in Spurgeon Road, Leroy, about 60 miles north of Mobile.

Johnson saw a man walk to his front door and knock, and after getting no answer the man went to the back of the trailer and broke in through the back door.

According to Sheriff Stringer, Johnson then placed duct tape over Gully’s mouth and tied him to a nearby tree. He managed to tie the man’s hands, duck-tape his mouth, and then tie him to a tree.

Johnson left Gully to go to a neighbor’s home to call police, but by the time police got to Johnson’s home, Gully was dead.

No criminal charges have yet been filed against Johnson, and Stringer was not sure if any will be in the future.

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. An autopsy will be performed to determine Gully’s death.

Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer says that other than some cuts from the wire, Gully suffered no apparent injuries. “I think he wanted to caputre him and have him arrested”.

The alleged intruder’s uncle, Michael Gully, told WALA that he was shocked by the allegations levelled against his relative.

Johnson’s niece, Simone Johnson, told WALA that her uncle “hates what happened” and that “his family are hurting too”.

Sheriff Stringer told USA media: “I don’t think he was intending to kill the intruder”. “He just wasn’t a violent person that I know of”.

The sight of Johnson startled Gulley who started to run out the back door before tripping down the steps.