The Jackson Police Department has released the name of a man they believe was killed while trying to steal copper from a utility pole.
34-year-old Russell Houston was identified as the deceased on Wednesday morning. He died Dec. 5 in the 300 block of Greenhill Drive.
Officers were called to the area around 4:30 p.m. for what was initially reported as an elderly woman who had walked into a power line. Upon arriving, they discovered a situation that was much different from what the caller had described.
According to JPD, the victim was a man wearing women’s clothing, and evidence suggests he had attempted to climb a utility pole to steal copper wiring. The pole broke, causing him to fall and be electrocuted. He was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Police also confirmed the victim – now known to be Houston – had no identification on him at the time but was wearing an ankle monitor. The monitor was used to confirm his identity.
The investigation into Wilson’s death and what led up to it is ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact JPD at (601) 960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-8477.