Suspicious Death Questioned

 

April 29, 2021

Ernest Harper Jr.

The April 14, 2021 death of a Monroe man along Highway165 near the Ouachita Correctional Center has left some wondering if there is more to what is already known. Ernest Harper, Jr. was well known on the south side of Monroe. He was often seen on Wilson Street and around Winnsboro Road; Harper was always seen on South Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Streets too. Those that knew him say it was unusual for him to venture outside of those surroundings. When news of his death was announced (especially where it allegedly happened), it didn't make sense to those who really knew Harper. Harper did not have an automobile, and he walked everywhere he went. He hardly ever ventured outside a certain area on the south side of Monroe, so it is confusing to some that he wound up at the location of Hwy. 165 near OCC at the time he was allegedly hit by a driver on the roadway, according to police. The distance from Winnsboro, all the way to OCC, is a long trek if one is walking. His loved ones know it to be unordinary for him to be that far from where he normally was at any given time. Some suspect foul play may have been involved in his death, as law enforcement has not released any statements since Harper's death.

Things are still a mystery, with no answers or explanation shared with his family and loved ones. Did Harper walk all the way southbound on the roadway, an area that has become deadly for pedestrians walking at night? Were the injuries that Harper suffered from the impact of the automobile the only injuries on his body? Did someone or others accost Harper causing injuries to him and leaving his body beside the roadway? Harper's family and friends want answers to these questions because it was alleged that Harper had recently come into some money. The alleged cash supposedly came through a house sale that was left to Harper due to the death of a family member. Rumors could have spread about his new financial status, but no one knows for sure. The house that belonged to Harper was sold to an unidentified White individual before his death, according to those who knew Harper. His family, friends, and community are hoping that answers regarding his death are revealed soon.

Harper wasn't a perfect man, according to those who knew him, but they said that he had a heart to help people. It was not unusual for him to help a stranger, no matter who it was. The Monroe Dispatch was told that he went to a local church just before his untimely death and cried before the congregation, repenting of his sins. It was said that he was trying to make amends for things that he may have done to those that knew him. Those in attendance shared that it was a heartfelt moment. Since Harper was killed walking along Hwy. 165 S, his name has been added to the growing list of individuals who have lost their lives on that section of the roadway. Residents in and around the area still wait for new lights. The more important question in this scenario though, is did something more sinister happen? That is what the community wants to know.

Photo Ernest Harper Jr.

 

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