THOMASVILLE — The man found dead in a Thomasville motel parking lot early Tuesday morning has been identified as a Newton County resident. 

The man is 38-year-old Robert Wheeler from Porterdale.

“He was here working on a construction job,” said Lt. Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

An autopsy was to be performed Wednesday. 

“We’re waiting on the results from that,” Knifer added.

Police were called to Thomasville Inn on U.S. 19 South about an intoxicated/unresponsive man at 3:14 a.m. Tuesday.

Thomas County Emergency Services personnel also responded and confirmed the man — Wheeler — was dead.

The body had no firearm or knife injuries, Thomasville Police Chief Troy Rich said Tuesday.

The Thomasville regional office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the case.

Knifer said witnesses being interviewed include eyewitnesses, others present at the scene and individuals who were not at the scene, but might have information about what happened.

Surveillance video of the motel parking lot is being viewed by authorities.

“A lot will depend on the autopsy report, the exact cause of death,” the commander said.

   

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820