Violent death of 'strong family guy'

• Tweet

ST. SIMON ISLAND, Ga., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Police in a remote Georgia community are investigating the violent death of a civic leader and lifelong resident a neighbor described as "a strong family guy."

The body of Tom Sublett, 52, was found in a marina not far from his of St. Simon Island home Dec. 11, one day after his wife reported him missing because he hadn't returned home from his regular poker game. His hands were bound in front and he had a gunshot wound to the head but an autopsy determined the cause of death was drowning, ABC News reported Tuesday.

The Glynn County Police Department said investigators found a laptop, a gun holster, magazine rounds and empty prescription medication containers at the scene, and Sublett's car was found about 150 yards from where his body was discovered.

Cap Fendig, 58, a longtime friend of Sublett's, said there has been speculation Sublett -- who was one month shy of completing a four-year term as a Glynn County Commissioner -- may have been experiencing financial difficulty or family issues.

Fendig said the death has left the community "very unsettled."

"He was an elected official, a leader in his church and, on the surface, a strong family guy," he said.

Fendig said based on evidence gathered so far: "People are clear that this wasn't an impulsive or random act of violence. It either was self-inflicted or a professional hit."