Media

Investigation determines man kills his daughter, then himself in recent shootings

Release Date: January 2, 2004

Shelby County Sheriff's detectives say they now believe a man murdered his daughter then himself at his home two days after Christmas.

On December 27, 2003, deputies were called to the home of William Cowart, 67, who lived at 5048 Belfast in North Shelby County. Relatives had not spoken to him in several days and had become concerned for his safety.

Officers forced open a door shortly after two o'clock that afternoon. They found Cowart and his daughter. Both had been shot.

Cowart was dead at the scene. His daughter, Virginia Hickson, 46, of Memphis , was still alive. She died a few days later from her injuries.

At the time of the investigation, detectives say there was a possibility that that both Ms. Hickson and her father had shot themselves. However, the Shelby County Medical Examiner's Office has now concluded Cowart did shoot his daughter before turning the gun on himself.

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