Sheriff names killer of man found in carpet

Sheriff's investigators on Monday arrested a suspect they say murdered his friend in Preble County and dumped the body in Montgomery County last week.

David Ramsey, 43, shot William Pike Jr. four times in the chest in the 6900 block of Pleasant Valley Road, just Southeast of Gratis, on May 22, Preble County Sheriff Michael Simpson said during a press conference. Ramsey then rolled Pike's body in a carpet and dumped it in Jefferson Twp. in Montgomery County, the sheriff said.

Resident Katrina Moore discovered the body near her home three days later on May 25 and alerted the Montgomery County Sheriff's office, which immediately launched an investigation. They learned that Pike, 43, was a Preble County resident and investigators contacted Simpson's office. Both departments worked together found evidence that led them to Ramsey, the sheriff said.

Investigator's later recovered the murder at Ramsey's home, and he subsequently admitted to killing Pike, Simpson said, declining to reveal the motive for the slaying.

Ramsey is being held in the Preble County Jail on preliminary charges of aggravated murder, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. The case was submitted to the Preble County grand jury Monday afternoon, and formal charges are expected to be filed today.

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