Autopsy Raises Questions in Bullard Search

(03/14/06 -- LILLINGTON) (WTVD) -- Investigators released details Tuesday about the autopsy of a man who lived near a missing Lee County woman.

Michelle Bullard, 23, was allegedly abducted from her boyfriend's Lee County home January 2. The same day, David Wilson, 49, shot himself during a traffic stop in Harnett County. He lived about six miles from Bullard. Wilson was driving a truck that matched the description of the suspect vehicle in the abduction.

Bullard's family members showed up at the Harnett County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, where they say bruising on Wilson's thigh pointed to possible evidence of a struggle with Bullard. Investigators say the bruising is coincidental and likely the result of an accident or Wilson's job as a plumber. They say there is no evidence linking Wilson with Bullard's disappearance.

"Lee County hasn't ruled anything out, either, but it's been 74 days, and they haven't ruled anything in," said Karen Riojas, Bullard's mother.

Harnett County Sheriff Larry Rollins says his investigators are working hard to find clues.

"We collect facts. We collect evidence. We gather witnesses and we attempt to get probable cause to arrest suspects," he said. "When that happens, we'll be as happy as you are."

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