Mayoral candidate found dead in woods

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CLARKSDALE, Miss., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Authorities said a mayoral candidate in Mississippi was found dead, and investigators are treating the case as a homicide.

The body of Marco McMillian, a 34-year-old Democratic candidate for the mayor of Clarksdale, was found dead Wednesday in the woods about 30 miles from a roadway, Coahoma County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

The cause of death has yet to be determined.

McMillian's car was crashed on the road while being driven by another person who was found injured in the car Tuesday, ABC News said.

Sheriff's office spokesman Will Rooker said a person of interest was in custody but has not been formally charged, ABC News said.

Rooker would not confirm or deny if the person of suspect was the injured person found in the car.

ABC News said McMillian's campaign was noteworthy as he was likely the first openly gay man to be a viable candidate for public office in the area.

Rooker said McMillian's death is not being investigated as a hate crime.