Identity of dismembered body found on Saturday is released

Pearl River County investigators used a tattoo, public records and social media accounts to help identify the dismembered body found Saturday morning on Burge and Reyer Road near the intersection of Henry Reyer Road, located 12 miles north of Poplarville and 13 miles west of Lumberton.

Pearl River County Coroner Derek Turnage said the victim was Seth Coulter Odom, 24, of Poplarville. Odom’s remains were found in an area on Burge and Reyer roads.

“The medical examiner was able to identify his tattoos after extracting the body,” said Turnage.

Investigators searched Pearl River jail booking records for the tattoo then confirmed Odom’s tattoo and identity on social media. His family has been notified. Turnage said the medical examiner completed an autopsy Tuesday, but a preliminary report confirming the cause of death has not been released.

“It usually takes the medical examiner about 24 hours to complete the preliminary report,” Turnage added.

Pearl River County Sheriff David Allison said the case appears to be a homicide, but an investigation is ongoing.